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Jocelyn Thompson Obituary
Born September 11, 1958 to the delight of parents George & Jeanne Venema, Jocelyn was raised in Nipomo and spent her life living on the Central Coast. Joceyln's early years were spent in Nipomo on a chicken ranch with her family. This time was very dear to her and influenced her love of family history, decorating choices and interests throughout her life.
Jocelyn was born with a creative ability to find art and treasure in all things. She loved nature, as she discovered and showcased the beauty of her surroundings with her acclaimed and eclectic decorating skills. Jocelyn loved researching local history and became a self-taught professional antique collector and dealer. She found old and new treasures wherever she went. A generous and gracious hostess and a great cook; Jocelyn created a festive setting for every holiday and event.
She married her loving husband, Tom, 32 years ago. Together they lived and raised four wonderful daughters in Paso Robles. Jocelyn was a dedicated and loving wife and mother. She was an enthusiastic supporter and self proclaimed cheerleader for her daughters at many water polo, softball, basketball and volleyball games.
She is preceded in death by her father George Venema, Jocelyn will be deeply missed by the family, friends and community that survive her. She leaves behind her husband Tom; daughters Danielle Thompson, Chesany Thompson, Lindsey Thompson, Morgan Smith and husband, Zachery; mother Jeanne Venema; brothers and sisters Hillary Thomas and husband Tom, Jan Venema and wife Ginny, Jody Venema and wife Bunny, Marcella Venema- Aumack, Georgianna Venema-Hernandez and husband Ruben, Craig Venema and wife Amy; her cherished grandson, Darius and her dear nieces and nephews.
Though we lost her suddenly on January 29, 2010, her legacy of eternal life, light and beauty will live on forever. Jocelyn, you decorated our lives!
Family and friends are invited to gather for a memorial service at St. Barnabas Church, 301 Trinity Avenue, Arroyo Grande, CA on Saturday February 6th at 12:00 p.m. Following the service please join us at Portuguese Hall, 707 Huasna Rd, Arroyo Grande for friendship, fond memories, and good food.
In lieu of flowers, please remember Jocelyn by making donations to a youth sport organization of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jocelyn Thompson
Georgianna Venema Hernandez
January 28, 2019
Baby sister.......Nine years have gone by but my heart still aches like it was yesterday. The family has not been the same with you being gone. There is a huge void without you. Hug Dad for me....you will forever be in my heart.
Debbie Wineman
February 19, 2010
To the Venema and Thompson Families, I hope all the wonderful memories you have keep you all strong during this very sad time. Jocelyn was a wonderful sweet person and I know I have great memories of our days at the ranch in Nipomo.
Claire Venema
February 17, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of our loss of Joss, she was so loved as were all of the Venema Children. I will keep her in my prayers. Love to all, Claire Venema
February 17, 2010
My prayers and thoughts to everyone in the family as we hold sweet Jocelyn in our hearts. God bless you. Aunt Gerri
jordon hernandez
February 16, 2010
You are a wonderful aunt who would adress my wounds, make food I would eat cause i was always picky, play games like sherades till 1 in the morning with your kids and I, when I stayed over. And you showed me south park for the first time. I love you and will always be thinking of all the good memories.
Janelle Griffin
February 15, 2010
Ciao, Tot ziens, Uf Widerluege my cousin ~ Peace & Love
Janelle, "Nelly-Bob" Griffin
February 14, 2010
Joss ~ We were co-dealers at Vineyard Antique Mall...we met and got up early; ate our RYE toast on the way, only to be the first at the estate sales..we polished and refinished..we laughed and we found our treasures..we "lived" for Taco Bell and M&M's..we traded clothes amongst each other..Birthday parties when Lindsey and Jag were young..Joss never forgot my Birthday..and I will never forget her or the warm memories that are etched within my soul..yes, the memories...for, "Wild, Wild, horses couldn't drag me away" ~
Lisa Hinkforth
February 13, 2010
Jocelyn was not only my cousin, but my sister and my friend and I will miss her dearly. I have such good memories of us laughing and having a good time together and I will cherish them forever.
Marcella Venema
February 12, 2010
We fought..we laughed..we loved...we shared. I have an emptiness that can't be filled. Rest in Peace Sweet Sister.
Jeff & Kathy Grimes
February 12, 2010
To Tom & Family:
Losing a spouse and parent is a very difficult thing to live through, but with the love and support of friends and family the pain will ease and each day will pass with a little less effort. God bless you as you begin this journey and if you find you need someone to talk to that has been through it, please do not hesitate to call.
God speed and best wishes,
Barbara McPherson Chabot
February 11, 2010
Georgie and family,
I pray that the Lord will keep you all close in His hands through this difficult time. Jess was loved by her friends and family, and that is such a legacy to leave behind.
All my love
Georgianna Venema Hernandez
February 11, 2010
Words cannot express how it feels to lose my baby sister. My memories of Joss are from ages 3 to 51. Each day I am remembering....and I will never forget. Jossie will live in my heart forever.
Vikki (Hayes) Lawrence
February 11, 2010
Dear Vemema and Thompson families,
I was so stunned and sadden when I heard about Jocelyn. Even though it has been a long time since I've seen any of the families, it brought back many memories of growing up in Nipomo.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
Craig Hansen
February 10, 2010
So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Amber Hernandez
February 10, 2010
I will never forget my Aunt Joss. She was fun to be around and always making people laugh. My favorite time I remember spending with her was on Moran Street. I used to spend the night and we would stay up late and watch Jay Leno. She would always sneak me her hidden stash of M&MS's. We always begged her to make fried rice and her famous taquitos. Aunt Joss, (aka *josh* or *joshy* haha), I am going to miss you very much. Thank you for the early gift of my "wedding" dishes. I will keep them forever. When I am sad and I need a laugh I will always have PHILPOT!! HAHAAHA Love you.
Janice Paschal
February 6, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about Jocelyns passing. I know she will be truly missed. We all remember her from our time in NIpomo. You are in our hearts and prayers. May God Bless You as you go through this difficult time. Janice Henley Paschal (Santa Maria)
Rennie Stoltenberg
February 6, 2010
Jocelyn's death serves as a reminder to all of us how important it is to love and support your family, keep them close and never back down in any situation. She acted when others wouldn't; would say what others wanted to say, and her devotion incomparable. She was beautiful inside and out, and forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thompson and Venema families, and dear friends. David, Rennie and Caitlin Stoltenberg
Tom and Paula Sartain
February 5, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Jocelyn's death. I know how much her family meant to her. She loved being with her daughters and always spoke fondly of Tom. I and my husband both knew her in school and eventually ended up in the north county raising our families. Our prayers are with all of you at this time.
Tom and Paula(Bales)Sartain
Lori Haynes
February 5, 2010
Jocelyn was trully one of a kind. I respected her and admired her on so many levels. Her passing will leave a an empty place in my life. Joc was a true friend. She told you what you wanted to hear, and sometimes what you needed to hear. She loved with all of her heart, and you knew when Joc loved you. She could make you laugh, sometimes at nothing. She could always be counted on for a hug, or a girl talk even late at night when the rest of the neighborhood was sleeping. My daughther Emma thought Joc was the "greatest cook that ever lived!" Have you ever eaten her fried rice? I will remember Joc, and remember her often and fondly. I was so fortunate to have her for a friend. She enriched my life.
My sincerest sympathy goes out to her family, Tom, Darius and her girls, she was so proud of them and loved them so deeply.
Theresa Jermain
February 5, 2010
I'm so sad to hear of your loss. I haven't seen Jocelyn in 6 years but remember how she always had such a beautiful presence and how much pride she took in her family. She was so much fun. Theresa Jermain - Medford, Or
Larry Dotson
February 5, 2010
Dear Thompson and Venema families, so many of you are dear friends from way back. I just want to let you know that the Dotson family (Nipomo) is thinking of you all and our prayers for comfort and strength are continuing for all of you in your time of sorrow. Keep the good memories close to your heart. Very Sincerely,
Sandy Lewis
February 4, 2010
To all the Venema's and Thompsons,
My heart is so heavy and I was in such disbelief when I heard about Jocelyn. It is so hard to imagine her gone. Though I haven't seen her much in the last few years, she was always so sweet and quick to say hello when we ran into each other around Paso.
I remember her as a little girl in Nipomo, always reading whenever I was down visiting. And I remember all of you referring to her as "the librarian".
I pray the you will be comforted at this sad, unbearable time. There are no words to express the sadness I feel, especially for all of you, her dear brothers and sisters, and mother. To lose your child is not something any parent wants to live through. So may God meet you in your grief and help you through it.
Much love and many prayers to you all,
February 4, 2010
Dearest Marcella and Family. I first meet Jocelyn (Joss) while browsing in an antique store in Taft with her sister. From the first hello I knew I could call her my friend. When she would visit Marcella we would laugh and help sister decorate her new home. Her smile would light up the room when she entered. I only knew her for a short time but it feels like I knew her forever. I will miss you my friend. Wanda Harrison, Taft, California
February 4, 2010
Dear Thompson and Venema Families,
I am so very sorry to hear of Jocelyns death. I remember her from our teenage years, and a wild bacheloret party! She was a fun and gregarious woman who told it like it was! I know she loved her family, and her absence will leave a huge emptiness. May God comfort you. Sincerely, Diane(Burrow)Bowen
Darla Garner
February 4, 2010
Dear Jeanne & Family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of Jocelyn, I have many memories when we were kids running around Arbor Acres, I pray knowing that Jocelyn is now in the arms of our Lord and Saviour brings you comfort.
WHEN I SAY "I AM A CHRISTIAN"~
~When I say..."I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I am saved" I'm whispering "I get lost!" "That is why I chose this way."~
~When I say..."I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need someone to be my guide.~
~When I say..."I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on.~
~When I say..."I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and cannot ever pay the debt.~
~When I say..."I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, my flaws are too visible but God believes I'm worth it.~
~When I say..."I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain I have my share of heartaches which is why I seek His name.~
~When I say..."I am a Christian" I do not wish to judge. I have no authority. I only know I'm loved.~
~Author Unknown~
Ace (KC)
February 4, 2010
Dearest Jocelyn,
My heart pours when I think of what a lost this is to all that knew you. You were an amazing women, so kind and gracious to all that you met. An amazing mother, wife, friend. You will be greatly missed by all that knew you. You had a way of lighting up any room that you walked into. Your elegance beamed as you graciously offered anything to any guest who walked into your house. Your hospitality and your creative eye was abundant even by talking to you. The way you went out of your way to be at any game to cheer on your family, you will always be part of our team. A proud moment for you was when you were able to see your youngest daughter get married, the joy that was in your heart was immaculate. You were so proud of your baby. My condolences go out to the family, friends, and anyone who was lucky enough to meet Jocelyn (Joss). "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,Love leaves a memory no one can steal."
Love Ace
The last two promises you gave me were to make sure that Morgan stays happy and that I and Robert go out. I promise you that I will make sure to keep these promises, and will make them stay true.
Helen Toevs
February 3, 2010
Dear Thompson Family,
We are truly saddened by the news of dear Jocelyn's passing. We always remember her picking up Darius from preschool and seeing her at programs and functions. We are praying for all of you for peace and comfort through this terrible loss. We love you all. Helen Toevs and Becky Rios and Rainbow Bright.
Sue Patchen
February 3, 2010
So very sorry to hear of your loss
Jocelyn was always such a delight when she would come into our store Antiques on Main in Cambria, she was such fun and gave us great laughs and good times .So very sorry to see this tonight. She will be greatly missed.May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Sue Patchen
February 3, 2010
Dear Thompson Family,
Words can not express how sorry & saddened we are. You were the first family we meet 12 yrs ago when we first moved to Paso. We are so grateful to have spent so many happy times together at your BBQ's, especially sitting next to Jocelyn and Danny at softball games. We will forever cherish those memories.
Your Friends Always and Forever,
Lionel, Elsa, Sabrina & Nana Meleandez
February 3, 2010
Dear Thompson and Venema families,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you during this time of heartache and loss. She will be remembered as our beautiful cousin who loved to have a good time with family!! Our prayers are with you. God bless your family, Henry, Trish, Melissa and Bella Cosio
February 3, 2010
To the Thompson Family, My husband Pete and I knew Jocelyn when we worked at Vineyard Antiques Mall. She was a vibrant woman with alot of pizazz. We are very sorry for your loss. May God be with you at this time. Karen and Pete Gray
Beth Knotts Raynaud
February 3, 2010
Dear Venema Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I haven't seen Jocelyn in years, but as soon as I heard the news, her face came to mind. I remember her as being a bigger than life person so I know she will be greatly missed.
Charlie & Janet Kee-Castillo
February 3, 2010
Georgianna & families-
We are sorry for your loss of your loved one so early. You are in our thoughts & prayers
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