Obituary: THOMPSON, MARIAN

Marian A. Thompson 1933 ~ 2012Lovingly attended by her family, Marian A. Thompson of East Peoria passed away on July 10 after a stroke. Even as she suffered memory loss from Alzheimer's, Marian retained her warm affection for family, her distinctive sense of humor, and her appreciation for a good story.Born November 16, 1933 to Col. H. O. Allison, USAF, and Adeline S. Allison, in Salt Lake City, Marian lived all over the US during her youth. She attended Northwestern University for two years, intending to become a physical therapist. However, after falling in love with Charles E. ("Tom") Thompson, Jr., her future husband, she put off finishing college. Many years later, she attended Bradley University, majoring in German.Tom and Marian were married September 4, 1955 at Parks AFB in California. After his military service, they moved to Peoria, where Tom began his long career with Caterpillar (where he was known mostly as "Chuck"). Not long after, the young married couple, now with two small children, moved to Germany. Here their third child was born. After 4 years in Germany, the family moved to Switzerland for 9 years. In each country, Marian threw herself into learning the local language, as she was to do again, many years later, when they moved to Brazil for 5 years.Marian was a vital, passionate, funny, hard-working mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend, who was energetic in play as well as work. She especially loved skiing, swimming, and needlework. We will all miss her profoundly.She is survived by her husband; their children, Audrey Thompson (Ivan Van Laningham), Charles E. Thompson, III (Kaarin), and Barbara R. Thompson (Joe Gilray); her grandchildren, Thomas and Annika Gilray; her sister, Audrey A. Waggoner (James); her brother-in-law, Al Wullen; and her nieces and nephews, Allison and Jim Waggoner, and Lynn Denne and Tom Wullen.A memorial service was held on July 12 at the First Federated Church of Peoria, IL.