Roberta Thomas; Retired Teacher

Roberta Thomas, mother of conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and a teacher in San Fernando Valley public schools for more than 20 years, has died at her Van Nuys home. She was 82.

Mrs. Thomas died Wednesday of a stroke, according to a family representative.

Born Roberta Meritzer in Sea Cliff, N. Y., she graduated from Barnard College in New York City and was an assistant to the late Raymond Moley, an adviser to President Franklin D. Roosevelt who coined the term “New Deal.” She later was a founding staff writer of Newsweek magazine.

In 1937, she married Ted Thomas and moved to California, where she established the research department of Columbia Pictures. Mrs. Thomas later taught English and social studies at San Fernando High, Sun Valley Junior High and Mulholland Junior High schools, retiring after more than 20 years.

Her son is Mrs. Thomas’ only immediate survivor. Her husband died Oct. 28 at the age of 88.

Services will be private. Mt. Sinai Mortuary in Los Angeles is handling the arrangements. Donations can be made in Mrs. Thomas’ name to the New World Symphony Orchestra in Miami.