The poker world received sad news that Nancy Thomas, a familiar face at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, has passed away.
The news was shared earlier this week by her friend and fellow poker player Nancy Birnbaum.
It’s with a very heavy heart that I share the news that our poker community lost one of our own. Nancy Thomas passed away … Nancy was so much fun to have at the table. Beyond the cards and the competition, it’s the people who make this game special, and she was one of those people whose company you always enjoyed.
Sharing the same name gave us our own little connection. We’d call out, “Hey, Nancy!” and back would come, “Hey, Nancy!” Such a simple thing, but a memory I’ll always hold close. It breaks my heart knowing I won’t hear that greeting from her again.
Nancy, we’re all going to miss you—the fun, the conversations, and the moments we shared across the felt. You were part of our poker family, and your absence will be felt by so many.
According to The Hendon Mob, Thomas had $274,731 in lifetime tournament earnings. That included a career-high $109,113 for finishing runner-up in the 2017 WPTDeepStacks Lucky Hearts Poker Open Event #1: $360 NLH, a tournament that attracted 4,756 runners and was won by Jerry Wong.
Dozens of people expressed their sadness on social media, including Seminole Hard Rock reporter Alan “alcanthang” Rash, who wrote: “So sad. Every time she saw me, she came and gave me a hug.”
Jill Rukeyser offered: “Nancy Thomas was a phenomenal player and an even better human being.. Classy and kind. May her memory be a blessing to us all who were lucky enough to know her.”
Reneé Touzalin added: “This is such a tough loss. She was an absolute treasure and will be greatly missed. When we last spoke, she was headed west again, and we promised to catch up soon. My heart just breaks for her family. She spoke so lovingly and joyfully of her daughter and granddaughter. My heart goes out to them.
Birnbaum also shared that poker friends will gather to honor Nancy this Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET at Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Chapel in North Lauderdale, Florida.
PokerNews offers its condolences to the friends and family of Nancy Thomas.
Chad Holloway
PR & Media Manager