Edith M. Thompson

Thompson, Edith M. Edith Thompson born Nov. 24, 1903 Crawfordsville, Indiana; died May 24, 2006, at her home in Fridley. She was exactly 102 ½ years old. Married Glenn W. Thompson died in 1975. Three children, Patricia, Glenn and Jack, all pre-deceased her. Survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Her life's biggest sorrow was to see her children go before her, but life, in general, was an adventure to Edith. She spent her time thinking positively, continually learning new things and staying active in innumerable pursuits. At 18, she was working for woman's suffrage and at 81, painting beautiful landscapes. At 100, she made calls to preserve the Springbrook Nature Center. She tried to learn two new things each year, at age 99 she learned to play chess and to use the computer. Her contributions earned her the highest awards from the Girls Scouts of America, the Juliette Lowe World Friendship medal; and the Hope Washburn award from the League of Women Voters of Minnesota (1970). Named Unsung UU of Prairie Star District, UUA, in 1994. Seventy-five year member of the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis; founding member of Michael Servetus Unitarian Society. Many leadership capacities at both churches. Charter member of the Fridley Chamber of Commerce; Unity Hospital Auxiliary. Started a club for retirees of Midland Coop where Glenn worked. Worked tirelessly for the many causes she believed in, including the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation and the Minneapolis CARE committee. Lifetime member Order of the Eastern Star. Honorary membership of the Fridley Historical Society. At home, she found joy in reading prolifically, engaging in various kinds of needlework, painting, gardening, writing short stories and poems, and visiting with the many people she loved and who loved her. She will be greatly missed. A Memorial Service in Edith's memory on Sunday, June 25, 2006 at 3:00 PM at Michael Servetus Unitarian Society. Memorials should be sent to the Thompson Endowment, C/O MSUS, 6565 Oakley Street, Fridley MN 55432 or to the donors choice.

This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.