Sallie C, (Congram) Thoma

Sallie Congram Thoma, 87, of Ashburnham, MA, passed away on February 27, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born and raised in Fitchburg, she graduated from Fitchburg High School's class of 1956, where she served as both Junior and Senior Class Vice President.

 After relocating to Ashburnham, Sallie attended Colby-Sawyer College for Women, pursuing an interest in business. Her love of travel led her to work at several local travel agencies including Roux Travel, Hanslem Travel, Crane Travel and Ashburnham Travel while raising her children, Michael and Tina. In 1994, Sallie transformed the barn beside her home into office space and opened Thoma Travel Agency, which she built into a thriving business. Her work allowed her to explore many parts of the world—among her favorites were Alaska, Norway, Montserrat, and especially Bermuda, which she visited countless times. A determined and spirited woman, Sallie was known for strapping 3- and 6-foot Douglas fir trees to the roof of her car, checking them as luggage at Logan Airport, and delivering them to the Belmont Hotel in Bermuda for holiday décor.

 Sallie was deeply committed to her community and left a lasting imprint through her service. She was an asset to many organizations, including the Ashburnham Business Council, Applewild School Parent Council, member of Christ Church, the Board of Directors for the local American Red Cross, the Thayer Symphony Orchestra, and the Ashburnham Historical Society. She was also a driving force behind the Rail Trail project, dedicated to creating open space for all to enjoy.

 “My dad obviously passed down his love for the outdoors and open space to me because I have always wanted to keep 'the hill' as it has always been,” Sallie once wrote. She honored that legacy by placing 90 acres of land into conservation, ensuring it would never be developed. 

 Sallie will be remembered for her deep love of nature—birds, flowers, gardens, and the quiet beauty of the outdoors. Most of all, she will be remembered as a generous, loving friend who was always ready to offer a hand, a home, or a meal.

 She is predeceased by her parents, Walter Congram, Sr. and Doris (Coppinger) Congram, and by her former husband, Martin Thoma. She is survived by her bother Walter “Buzzy” Congram  and his wife Aina of Concord, MA , her children, Michael Thoma of Ashby, MA, and Kristina (Thoma) Fields of Newburyport, MA; her grandchildren; a niece and nephew; Jackie Chester and her son Aaron of Pepperell, MA and several “kids” whose lives she touched in profound and lasting ways.

 A celebration of life will be held in Ashburnham in the early summer. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mrs. Thoma’s family with her arrangements.

To offer online condolences and to check on service updates please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com

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