Obituary of Lesley Jane Thompson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Lesley Thompson, who peacefully left us on Friday, March 15, 2024, at age 84, surrounded by her loving family.

Lesley was born in Rhynie, Scotland, on September 8, 1939. Her journey began as a farm girl in Scotland and continued when her family relocated to the Lethbridge area in 1952. She embraced farm life until her family moved into the city of Lethbridge, where she pursued a career as a dental assistant in Lethbridge and later in Calgary. In Lethbridge, she met her husband Brent, with whom she has shared almost 59 beautiful years of marriage.

Lesley will be dearly missed by her husband Brent, daughter Susan, son-in-law Rodel Padua, son Mark, daughter-in-law Heather Thompson, grandchildren, Rigel Padua and Rowan Thompson; as well as step-grandson Torno Debus. Lesley is also survived by her brothers and their wives, Pat (Linda) Walker, Tim (Carol) Walker, and Lawson (Carol-Ann) Walker. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Marion Walker, and brother Johnnie Walker.

Lesley and Brent always did things together. They loved to hike, bike, cross-country ski, as well as travel to Europe, in some cases enjoying the countryside while riding their bikes. Biking and ballroom dancing were her most enjoyable pastimes, even more than her other passions of flower gardening, baking, and hiking. She enjoyed the camaraderie of biking with the Old Spokes Cycling Club and hiking with the MnM Outdoor Club. Her love of ballroom dancing would have her frequently visiting the Legion on Haddon Road many weekends during the winter months.

Vertigo Theatre was her favourite live theatre, being entertained by trying to solve the mystery plays presented over the many years she and Brent held annual subscriptions. She started attending live theatre when Vertigo was called Pleiades and held at the old planetarium in the west end of downtown.

Lesley also enjoyed Windermere Valley while staying at their cabin in the valley. This included cross-country skiing, hiking, and sailing between times spent working on their cabin.

Many thanks go to her biking, hiking, dancing, and travel friends for some great memorable times. Thanks to Dr. Natalie Ward, Lesley’s family doctor, the heart failure home care team, and the palliative home care team for their compassionate care and for being available when necessary.

Lesley's spirit will forever live on in the cherished memories of her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. While we mourn her loss, we take comfort in knowing that she is at peace and will always remain in our hearts. Lesley was a devoted mother and a pillar of loving care for her family. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for life.

In honour of Lesley's wishes, a private family funeral will be held at McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes. An open house for family and friends will be announced in the coming weeks.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the charity of your choice.

Rest in peace, dear Lesley. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

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

In living memory of Lesley 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.