Joan Thompson

Born on New Year's Day as Joan Payne in Chicago, IL , she lived a long life, as did her mother (98), great aunt (99) and sister Gine (99). Her family moved to rural Michigan early in the Depression and eventually moved to Three Rivers, MI where Joan grew up, graduating from Three Rivers High School in 1940. Joan was also a beauty queen that year, first as Miss Three Rivers, then as the Blossom Queen for Southwestern Michigan.

She married Edwin Huntington Thompson of Three Rivers in March of 1943 while he was serving in the US Navy. After the war, the couple moved first to Goshen, IN before settling in Mishawaka, IN where they raised three sons.

Mrs. Thompson was a ballet teacher before becoming an administrator in the insurance, hospital, employment, and banking industries. She retired from the latter as the Human Resource Officer for the 1st National Bank of Elkhart in Elkhart, IN in 1978.

She then moved to Southern California and initially lived in Cardiff-By-The-Sea in North San Diego County and worked as a realtor and property manager. She finally retired from real estate at age 85 after moving into a home in San Marcos, CA.

She is survived by sons Stephan (Laurie), Richard (Debbie), six grandchildren, Michele, Jeffrey, Stacey, Erin, Brian, and Salmon, 5 great- grandchildren, and a nephew Bill and nieces Sherry and Cindy. She was predeceased by a son, Gregory.

Much appreciation for the staffs of Pinellas Point Rehabilitation and Nursing in St. Petersburg, and Suncoast Hospice of Empath Health for the excellent care and consideration given to Mrs. Thompson during her last days.