Shirley A. Thompson

Shirley A. Thompson

DURHAM - Shirley A. Thompson, 80, of Mill Pond Road, died peacefully at her home on January 31, 2014, after a short illness.

Born January 29, 1934 in Dover, she was the daughter of Norman and Marion (Kelley) Stiles. She resided in Durham for most of her life, graduated from Dover High School, Class of 1952, and attended Keene Teaching College.

Shirley began her long and dedicated career in public service to the Town of Durham and the Oyster River School District over fifty years ago. She began volunteering with the ORSD when Kimmy was small, as a supervisor of the playground. She went on to be a math and reading tutor in the classroom, was a Moharimet Elementary School tutor for 20 years, and helped with the women's soccer team. She served on the School Board for 13 years, was an assistant moderator of the school district, served on the Scholarship Committee, and received the Principal Association Award. Shirley's greatest pleasure was reading to the children at Moharimet Elementary School.

During the 80s Shirley served as a Selectwoman for 13 years. She was a member of the Durham Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for 18 years, and served as Chairperson for 7 years. She was involved in fundraising, auctions and spaghetti suppers. For 9 years she was a school crossing guard with the Durham Police Department, and was Fire Commissioner for 2 years. Shirley was named Durham Citizen of The Year, and was an assistant Moderator of the Town of Durham.

She was a member of the Durham Budget Committee for 7 years, serving 3 years as Chairperson, served on the Zoning Board, Planning Board, Conservation Committee, Cemetery Committee, Parks & Recreation, and Trustee of Trust Funds. Shirley was also a part time secretary at the Town Office.

Shirley was also a member of the Durham/UNH Communications Committee. She would often say: "It was an absolute good journey" and "My focus has always been on kids".

Shirley was the recipient of the Foster's Point of Light Award.

She was a person about Town and could be seen at her grandchildren's sporting events, at Young's discussing Town and school issues, or at any school or town meeting.

She was a member of St. George Episcopal Church, Durham.

Shirley's family hosted her 80th Birthday Party this past Sunday. It was attended by many family and good friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Murell "Tommy" Thompson who died in 1991.

Shirley is survived by 2 daughters, Norma Jean Hallett and her husband Mitch of Springfield, Illinois, and Kimberly Laughton and her husband Richard of Durham; 5 grandchildren, Jessica Laughton, Lindsay Gagne, Richard J.M. Laughton, Aaron Hallett and Alana Hallett; her sister, Norma Boch of Montock, Long Island, N.Y.



Visiting hours will be held at the Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home, 77 Exeter Street, Newmarket, on Thursday, Feb. 6th from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Feb. 7th at 2 p.m. at St. George's Episcopal Church, Durham.

Should friends desire memorials may be made to Friends of Oyster River Track (FORT), 16 Stevens Way, Durham, NH 03824.

Visit www.kentandpelczarfh.com to sign an online guest book.

Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.