Obituary of Thomas Michael Chilbert

Thomas M. Chilbert, age 59 years of Merchantville, passed away suddenly on November 16, 2020. Beloved son of the late Alphonse and Lena J. Chilbert. Devoted brother of Kathleen Sternas (and Lars her husband), Joseph, Mary and Theresa Chilbert. Loving uncle of Catherine, David, Jinnie, Anthony and Christina and great uncle of Hannah. Tom was religious and loved his family. He watched Mass and religious programs on TV. He loved the teeshirt of Pope Francis that Kathy bought him in Rome at the Vatican. Tom loved to eat and he always enjoyed cherry yoghurt, pears, and Cheerios cereal which Lars bought him when he faithfully went food shopping every week for Tom and Theresa . Tom always thanked Lars for making sure he had the food that was good for him as a diabetic person. Tom loved watching TV and reading the Courier Post newspaper. He watched all types of sports programs, including football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. His favorite teams were the Minnesota Vikings, the Eagles football team, and the “Phillies” baseball team. Tom always keep up with the latest news on TV , but when the Courier Post paper arrived, the first thing he would read was the sports page. Tom enjoyed watching a variety of TV programs but his favorite programs were Jeopardy, General Hospital soap opera, Kelly and Ryan show, and Rachel Ray cooking show, although Tom preferred others to cook for him. Tom liked the nighttime comedians, but said Johnny Carson was still his favorite. Tom loved to listen to different types of music (rock, the Beatles, Country). He played records and listened to music regularly. He was knowledgeable world and local news stories. Tom loved caring for his cat, Precious. Precious would sleep on the armchair by Tom’s side faithfully every day. He would also call Precious “Tom cat” as he was a boy cat. Tom gave food and water to the outside cats several times a day, watered the indoor plants, and loved to wash the dishes. Tom always kept the kitchen in good order. Tom had multiple health problems. Tom took his medical conditions seriously and followed the recommendations of his multiple physicians and caregivers. Tom keep a journal on what he ate for every meal, the times he exercised, his blood sugar values and took all his medications as prescribed. Tom and the family thank his physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals and others who provided superior healthcare to him. Tom would not have lived a quality life without your dedication and care. Tom let everyone know that he was disabled. He needed the help of caregivers. Kathy was Tom’s primary caregiver, who provided care on weekends and called several times a day to check up on him to ensure he ate, took his medications and took his blood sugar values using his glucometer. Tom valued the daily telephone calls which were a source of support. Tom would call Kathy regularly and say “Just checking in”. He always told this family members that he loved us and we told him we love him too. Theresa helped Tom when she was able to do so. He was happy when Theresa would treat him to a Panzarotti. He really enjoyed the body building magazines that Kathy bought him because he lifted weights in high school. The little things his family and loved ones did for Tom were the things he loved the most. Tom always told everyone who cared for him “God Bless You” and always thanked us for all that we did for him. He was truly a grateful man. Mary Lynn Hopkins was Tom’s loyal caregiver. She worked closely with Kathy to care for his legs, picked up his medications from CVS pharmacy, walked with him and did chair exercises with him to help him lose weight. Mary Lynn took Tom to his medical appointments which Kathy arranged after Joe moved to Florida. Earlier, Joe took Tom to his medical appointments and helped Kathy with Tom’s care. Mary Lynn Hopkins cooked for Tom delicious home made hamburgers and chicken legs and ensured he had vegetables for all of his meals. Most importantly, she was always patient and listened to Tom. Tom and Mary Lynn always talked with each other and she reassured him when he had concerns. They would discuss the games after the Phillies team would play. The Eagles, Phillies, 76ers and Penn State college football games were frequent topics for discussion. Mary Lynn said that Tom would tell her to have a good day. Tom thanked her for taking good care of him, and prayed for her every day. Mary Lynn, Thank you, as Tom and our family benefitted from your support and love. With the help, care and support he received from everyone, Tom was able to meet his health challenges and enjoy life. Tom stepped up to the plate to meet all his challenges. Thomas was a sweet, caring, kind, devoted brother. He was close with God and prayed daily. Tom prayed for all of his family, and he would always say prayers for Kathy’s safe drive home after caring for him on weekends. Kathy and Tom had a special bond, as she was his caregiver and his nurse in addition to being his sister. Kathy would always receive a “bear hug” from Tom before she left him to drive 2 hours home. Kathy always had suggestions for Tom to help keep him healthy. Tom always responded “Yes Dear” Tom was disabled and he wanted people to know this and to understand that his disabilities impacted his life and what he was able to do. Tom had a positive outlook even with all of his health challenges and disabilities. People with disabilities are valuable. They have so much to give and can teach us. Tom would want us to love disabled people and take care of them. Tom will be deeply missed by all who knew him. God Bless You Tom, We Love You.