Mary Thom

Mary Thom (June 3, 1944 – April 26, 2013) was an American feminist, writer, and editor. She was one of the founding editors of Ms. magazine, and was an editor for the magazine for 20 years.

Early life and education

Thom was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1944, and raised in Akron, Ohio. Her father, Paul, was an engineer who worked in the steel industry. Her mother, Susan, was a homemaker. Thom listened to jazz and enjoyed Shakespeare, encouraged by her mother. She credited these two interests at triggering her interest in activism.

She graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1966. While there, she became involved in the anti-war and civil rights movements. She was a fundraiser for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. While at Ms., Thom edited the book, Letters to Ms. After she left to become a freelance writer and editor, Thom maintained an association with Ms. until 2001.

Works