Obituary of Audrey Thompson

Audrey Thompson of Calgary passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2005 at the age of 75 years. Audrey was born in Gleichen, Alberta in 1929 to Evelyn and William Thompson. She loved, and was loved by her family. She was a dear sister, daughter, friend, aunt, and great-aunt. Audrey was known for her sharp wit, keen sense of fairness, and the professionalism that she brought into nearly every aspect of her life. She was a classy lady, who carried herself with authority. Audrey enjoyed travelling, particularly with her very dear friend Glenna and her sister Imogene. She loved Alberta, and resided in the province her entire life except for working in England for a year, and pursuing a Masters degree in Washington State. Her life was an inspiration to her family, her friends, and peers. Audrey was a nurse for thirty-four years. Her nursing career began in 1951 upon graduation from the Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary. She believed in education, and furthered her studies to achieve a B.Sc. from the University of Alberta (1962), and a Masters in Nursing from the University of Washington, Seattle (1968). Her clinical specialty was medical/surgical nursing, in which she excelled. Audrey was awarded the University of Washington’s “Outstanding Graduate” award in 1968, and the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses’ Nurse of the Year in 1973. Audrey believed in giving back to her profession, and she showed this by instructing at the Holy Cross Hospital and the Galt School of Nursing at the Lethbridge Municipal Hospital. Prior to retirement in 1985 she was Assistant Executive Director and Senior Vice-President of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. In retirement Audrey’s passion for genealogy led her to become the official family chronicler. Her extensive research revealed a 1749 arrival in North America, and a great-uncle who was a forty-niner! Audrey was a talented painter and photographer; she used her retirement as an opportunity to develop her artistic skills and create lovely pieces for her family and friends. Audrey was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Evelyn Thompson; and her brother John Thompson, all of Okotoks, AB. She is survived by her dear friend Glenna Gorrill; her sister Imogene (John) Gyorgy; and sister-in-law Alismay Thompson. She is also survived by, and was an aunt to Stephen (Robyn) Gyorgy, Margot Gyorgy, Philip Gyorgy, Leslie (Lyle) Rathwell, Joanne (Dwayne) Little, Wendy (Ian) Temple, William (Keitha) Thompson; and fourteen great-nieces and great-nephews. Funeral Services will be held at St. David’s United Church (3303 Capitol Hill Crescent N.W.) on Friday, March 11, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Catherine M. Pace officiating. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Audrey Thompson, a tree will be planted at Nose Creek Valley by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W., Calgary. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.