Jean Elizabeth Thompson peacefully passed away in the Swift Current Care Home on October 9, 2009. She was born in Swift Current on August 31, 1922, and lived the majority of her 87 years in the city she loved. Her home and heart were always at 37-13th Ave. S.E. overlooking the creek. The family home was shared with her parents Angus Sr. and Elizabeth Thompson, and her four brothers Angus Jr., Alister, Evander, and Andrew. Jean or “Tinty” as her family called her, was the only girl and was born just before the twins “Eddy” and “Andy”. Jean completed grades one through eight at Oman Public School, graduated grade XII from the Swift Current Collegiate Institute (SCCI), and went to Winnipeg to train as a nurses’ aid. She also attended the Millar Bible College in Pambrun. Jean left the Nurses’ Aid Program when her brothers enlisted in the services. She did this because their father was in Swift Current, alone. After the death of her mother, Jean became the woman of the house, handling family responsibilities and household duties. When she began working outside the home, she was an employee at Bradbrooks Drug Store. Later she was a salesperson at the Sally Shop, and finally a teller at the Southside Credit Union. As a young child, Jean learned that no work is to be done on Sunday; it’s a day of rest, a day to worship, and this is what she did. She was a member of the Church of the Open Bible. She attended church and adult Sunday School classes faithfully, took part in Bible studies, played the piano for Sunday School, taught Sunday School for years, and was a dedicated instructor of the Pals (Youth) Program. She lived a life of service, helping others in her community and worldwide. She adopted and supported many World Vision children. Jean was a strong and independent woman. Through her careful financial planning and sheer determination, she built a brand new home on the family lot. Her dream came to fruition in spite of the discouraging words of many - “You know, women don’t take on such endeavours!” Jean lived in this home until health became a concern, but even though she had to leave the place where she had spent her entire life, she took it in her stride. She was moved four times before returning to Swift Current to live by the creek once more. She was home, where her heart was. She was content. Jean is survived by her brother, Andy; sisters-in-law, Min (nee Payne) Thompson of Moose Jaw and Catherine Thomspon of Kamloops (Evander’s wife); and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews in SK, AB, BC, and the USA. Jean’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staffs at Leader’s Western Senior Citizen’s Home, Herbert’s Heritage Manor and Swift Current’s Care Centre. Thank you for giving Jean the care she needed and a home where she could live safely with dignity. God Bless. The Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 2:00 pm from the Church of the Open Bible with Pastor Rob Cochrane officiating. The pianist for the service was Wendy Cochrane. “In the Garden”, “How Great Thou Art” and “Nearer My God to Thee” were sung by the congregation. Kendra Anderson performed a special number, “Hymn of Promise”. Family Memories & Scripture was brought by Heather & Bob Anderson and Words of Friendship & Scripture was brought by Ruby Wotherspoon. The ushers in the church were Robert Klassen and Ken Strauch. The Interment service was held at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers, Garth Thompson, Karen Thompson, Bob Anderson, Heather Anderson, Russell Farrow, Olive Farrow, Keith Campbell, Evelyn Freeman, Lloyd Payne, and Vivian St Clair. In memory of Jean Thompson, donations made to World Vision of Canada would be appreciated by the family. Funeral Arrangements were in the care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. |
