Obituary of Jean Thompson

August 16, 1943 – Belfast, Northern Ireland

February 29, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Jean Thompson (nee Milliken) of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the age of 80 years surrounded by her loving family.

Jean was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on August 16, 1943, to Isabella and Walter Milliken, making her the second youngest of seven children. Their family moved from the country to Belfast during the Second World War. Jean married Samuel Thompson on March 19, 1961, and they had three children, Sharon, Robert, and David. They lived in Belfast until they immigrated to Calgary, AB, at the height of “The Troubles” in March of 1977.

Jean and Samuel followed Jean’s brothers from Ireland to Calgary for a better future. She proudly worked at the Bank of Nova Scotia Data Centre for over 25 years as a Branch Manager. She was a member of the Canadian Bankers Association and made lifelong friendships with many of her colleagues.

She was especially proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, in all that they achieved and shared her love unconditionally with all. Jean could often be found enjoying a quiet cup of tea and reading a book in her front patio garden. She also enjoyed doing puzzles of all types, knitting, sewing, gardening, and catching up on Coronation Street and Survivor. Jean loved visits from her family. Her favourite sayings were, “Don’t sweat the small stuff” and “This too shall pass”. She was always positive.

Jean held a strong Christian belief which was very close to her, and she looked for the day when God would take her home. Jean will be remembered for her compassion, modesty, empathy, loyalty, wisdom, sense of adventure and her dry sense of humour. She will also be remembered for her unwavering commitment to supporting the deaf community, and those in need.

Jean is survived by her husband Samuel, her children, Sharon (Phil) of Australia, Robert of Calgary, AB, and David (Laurie) of Calgary, AB; her grandchildren, Shawn (Amy), Sarah (Allan), Keegan (Robyn), Nolan, and MacEwan (Antonia); and great-grandson Nolan. She is also survived by her brothers, Edmund, Norman (Arlene), and Samuel; as well as many nieces and nephews in Canada, the UK, Europe, and Ireland. Jean was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Isabella; sister Emily, and brothers, Harry and Edwin.

A Private Family Farewell to Jean will be held at McInnis & Holloway on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

A formal memorial service will be held later for all friends and family who would like to attend. Announcement will be made when details are known.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Jean’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Drop-In Centre, 1 Dermot Baldwin Way S.E., Calgary, AB T2G0P8 Telephone: (403) 699-8296, www.calgarydropin.ca or to the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 – 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jean’s family here.

In living memory of Jean Thompson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Her daughter Sharon and husband Phil will also plant a tree for Jean in the Blue Mountains, Australia.

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

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