LILLY THOMPSON

The family of Lilly Thompson, 90, was prematurely deprived of her loving presence as the result of a tragic auto accident on January 24, 2020. Born in Lambusart, Belgium in 1929, the last surviving daughter of Julien and Flora Declerk, she endured more than most of her generation - born in a country just recovering from the German occupation during WWI and descending into the Great Depression within months of her birth. At age ten, she saw her country again invaded by Germany experiencing the privations and hunger during her formative years and the fear the Germans would discover her father's role in the Belgium underground. She met a handsome American airman at the Brussels Hotel Metropole restaurant and was swept off her feet. They married in 1948 and she returned with him to the States, her eventual adoptive country, unknowingly carrying twins. Her experiences led her to a life of work outside the home to ensure the financial security of her family. Her bright personality suited her work life. Her careers as receptionist, waitress, restaurant owner and bank teller all exposed her to the work which fed her soul the most, being with people. Everyone could always count on her broad smile, delightful greeting and Lilly remembering their name. She was vivacious, spirited and social. Her laughter was infectious and plentiful in time spent with the lifelong friends she made wherever she lived and worked. She was faithful in prayer, for not only those she loved, but for the well-being of the world. She gave a donation to nearly every charity that asked. Her interests were broad. She was a dedicated fan of Chicago's hockey and baseball teams, and being artistically gifted, was drawn to become a patron of all the performing arts, particularly opera and Lilly possessed a lovely singing voice, an affinity for the dance floor and a love of vibrant clothing. Halloween was naturally a favorite holiday. Tending her home and garden brought her joy and solace. Ever hardworking and resourceful, even while late into her 70's she was frequently seen high in a tree pruning or atop the roof of her house cleaning gutters, much to the alarm of her neighbors. Despite many health issues, she remained positive in attitude and happy in spirit throughout. She was a loving sister, faithful aunt, grandmother and friend. Her joy for life will be missed by her family and her friends for years to come. She was predeceased by her former husband, George Parsons; her sister, Suzanne Altounian; her sister, Berthe Declerk; her daughter, Suzanne Levy; and her grandchildren, Christopher Seeber and Emelia Park. She is survived by her son, Alan Parsons (Denise) of Louisville, KY; her daughter, Mimi Perper (Randy Craven) of Greensboro, NC; and her niece, Tyana Altounian of Brussels, Belgium; along with 8 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Her memorial service is scheduled for June 11, 2022, at a private cloister garden in Greensboro, NC to celebrate this wonderful life. Donations may be made to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.