Agnes Thackston

Agnes Ann Panella Thackston, late of Surf City, New Jersey, died peacefully at her home November 27, 2021.

Known to her family as “Adgie,” Agnes was born October 26, 1937. She grew up in New Providence, New Jersey, the eldest child of Jennie C. and Joseph A. Panella. She was graduated from St. Teresa of Avila grammar school, Summit, New Jersey, Bayley

Ellard Regional High School, Madison, New Jersey (where she first met her husband Tom), and The College of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, New Jersey. Having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from St. Elizabeth’s, Agnes taught Home Economics in Randolph Township, New Jersey and at The Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School, in Springfield, New Jersey.

Agnes married Thomas Thackston of Whippany, New Jersey June 24, 1961. They lived briefly in Springfield and Florham Park, New Jersey, before settling in Moorestown, New Jersey, where they raised their six children: Jenny, Thomas, Christina, Amy, Rosemarie, and Mary. After their children were grown, Agnes and Tom moved permanently to their summer home in Surf City, New Jersey, subsequently dividing their time between there and a winter residence in Delray Beach, Florida. At both places, they continued to enjoy the company and lives of family and friends.

In addition to enjoying her family, Agnes had many interests that brought her joy. She was part of the Aqua Dance Team at the College of St. Elizabeth's, earned the nickname Esther Williams at the South Shore Club in Florida because she swam every morning, and more recently was an active participant in the St Francis exercise group that met 3x's a week. She enjoyed those friendships and classes immensely. An avid reader, Agnes was full of knowledge, solving puzzles daily, often clipping articles that spanned across her many interests. Also, she enjoyed movies and music- listening to the likes of Johnny Cash and Rod Stewart, and many others. Agnes was a Jersey Girl who loved living by the seashore and treasured the tomatoes and figs that her husband, Tom, lovingly grew for her enjoyment year in and year out.

Mom, "Mom-Mom", Adgie, she was a very special person to all who met her. Her smile was endearing, her eyes kindhearted - and she was of generous faith and heart. Agnes was a woman possessed of great intellectual energy, great enthusiasm and great love. She was devoted to her family; nothing meant more to her than their successes and happiness. Not even the smallest detail of their lives was unimportant to her.

Agnes is predeceased by her parents, Jennie and Joseph Panella. She is survived by her husband, Thomas, and her six children: Jenny Thackston, Thomas (Cindy) Thackston, Christina (Damon) Frazee, Amy Thackston, Rosemarie Thackston, and Mary (John) Evert. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Thomas, Mark, and Charles Suchy; Julia, T. Parker, and Gabrielle Thackston; and Siena Rose Evert. Agnes is survived by three siblings: Joseph, Nancy, and Mary Panella.

Agnes’ family will miss her greatly. In particular, they will miss her boundless enthusiasm, sound guidance, and love. She meant so much to everyone. May she rest in peace as she continues to watch over us.

A memorial gathering will take place on Friday, December 3, 2021, from 5pm to 7pm at Maxwell–Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Rd., Manahawkin NJ 08050, and Saturday, December 4, from 10am to 11am at St. Mary of the Pines Church, 100 Bishop Way, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following her gathering at 11am.