Rochester, N.Y. — Margaret “Midge” Thomas, a beloved community leader, educator, philanthropist and advocate, died Thursday at the age of 99.
Midge was the wife of Dr. Freddie Thomas, a renowned Black scientist known for his biological research for Eastman Kodak and the University of Rochester. Together, they played a big role in Rochester’s civil rights history, tutoring struggling youth before Freddie’s death in 1974.
Since then, Midge has continued to impact the lives of countless people through her work in the community. She founded a nonprofit in Freddie’s name, opened a pair of community centers in Rochester, installed a public drinking fountain in downtown Rochester and more. She also tirelessly advocated for equity, inclusion and justice…