Obituary of Lillian Ethel Thompson

Lillian Thompson, born in Pincher Creek on December 17, 1914, daughter of Scott and Ethel Bishop, peacefully passed away on November 8, 2005 at the age of 90 years. Lillian was a dedicated mother, grandmother and teacher whose enthusiasm, energy and wit was inspirational to all who came in contact with her. With her family’s strength and determination, she survived the 1919 flu epidemic and the Dirty Thirties. She attended Normal School at SAIT, the Banff School of Fine Arts and eventually completed her B. Ed degree through night classes and summer school at U. of A. She started teaching in her teens in a one-room school in Southern Alberta, taught at the demonstration school in Calgary and retired after many years at Briar Hill and Chief Crowfoot elementary schools. She and her husband Roger were active in the St. Andrews Heights community and founding members of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, where she sang in the choir for forty years. Lillian also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Foothills Academy and the Cancer Clinic. She enjoyed lawn bowling, bridge and oil painting. In recent years she was perhaps known best in the community as the beautiful, energetic, silver-haired lady who would be seen out walking on a daily basis. She continued her walks until shortly before her death where she enjoyed strolling with friends and family by the Bow River. Lillian supported her son Derrick’s work on wellness and was instrumental in ensuring that his legacy be established. For information on the Dr. Derrick Thompson Foundation, please e-mail foundation@foothills-health.com or call 262-6479. Lillian will be missed by her son Dixon (Lynne); daughter Louise (Jack); and her grandchildren, Justin, Athal, Arrlann, and Nikki. She was predeceased by her steadfast husband Roger; her beloved son Derrick; sisters Helen, Marjorie and Ruby; and brother Charles. A Celebration of Lillian’s Life will be held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church (1611 St. Andrew’s Place N.W.) on Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the AgapÚ Hospice, 1302 – 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1B8 Telephone: (403) 282-6588, to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th St. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca or expressing interest in Derrick’s legacy for a future donation would be appreciated. In living memory of Lillian Thompson, a tree will be planted by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.