Helen M. Thompson

HELEN M. THOMPSON Helen Middleton Thompson A longtime resident of Landenberg, PA,, age 92, died peacefully in her Newark, Delaware home on February 1st. She was born in Kennett Square, PA on December 5, 1917 to Mary E. Malin Vandegrift and Samuel Vandegrift. She survived the great flu pandemic and graduated from Kennett High School and Goldey Beacom College. Well known as a gracious hostess and fabulous cook, during her lifetime she was a former Sunday school teacher, deacon, Girl Scout leader, accomplished pianist, artist, horticulturalist and homemaker. She was often quoted as saying that "being a mother was the most important job she could have had" and was integral to the lives of her children; supporting any and all of their chosen activities. In retirement she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, travel and her church activities. Helen was a member and deacon of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE, and a former member of the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square, PA. She was predeceased by her husbands Paul E. Middleton, Jr. and Forrest G. Thompson and her sister Hazel Vines. She will be dearly missed by her children, step children and their spouses, Dianne M. and William S. Browne of Landenberg, and Paula M and Frank E. Szczuka of Townsend, DE; Charles F. Thompson of Kennett Square, PA, Phyllis Gardner of State College, PA, Robert H. Thompson of Bozeman, MT; grandchildren Robin Slaw (Andrew), Kristin, Sarah and Samuel Szczuka, great grandson Nathaniel Slaw, step grandchildren Grant, Lisa, Michael, Donna, Matthew, Isabel, Robert, thirteen step great grandchildren, and loving caregivers, Joan Dougherty and Nancy Haggerty;. There will be a graveside service at 10 A.M. Saturday, February 13th in Union Hill Cemetery, 424 N. Union Street, Kennett Square followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St., Wilmington, DE 19806. Contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to the Adult Choir of Westminster Presbyterian Church at the above address or to St. James Episcopal Church Newport, 2 S. Augustine St., Wilmington, DE 19804. Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (610-444-4116) of Kennett Square, PA . To send an online condolence, please visit www.griecocares.com.