Mary Anne Thompson

I met Mary Anne only twice! But she touched my life in such a way that I will never forget her. A few years back Tom and I drove over from Lafayette to the mouth of the Mississippi River to retrieve your dad after his weeks of adventure down old man river. The 4 of us, your father shivering and drenched after hauling his boat out of the river, then made our way to the more inviting and accomodating Monteleon Hotel, a favorite in the French Quarter, and had a wonderful evening and dinner together. On our way to the city, Mary Anne and I sat the back seat of Tom's truck and shared stories and learned about each other! She was a remarkable woman; amazing in her willingness to risk becoming friends with a stranger by immediately and comfortably telling tales of old and new! I loved her frank openness, her gently kindnesses, her strengths and her wisdom, all apparent in that first meeting. I loved her real-ness!

Tom and I will remember Mary Anne as a gentlewoman, interested and interesting, kind, giving, lovely and strong. Her story will live on, through you, her family. May your grieving be full and deep and the healing that follows be filled with love and joy, so that when her sweet memory comes into your mind, you simply smile and give thanks.

Mary Anne and I have known each other since our high school days being the closest of friends and in each other's weddings. The young picture of her in this obituary was taken by my dad when Mary Anne and I were playing tennis in Hinsdale one day. He loved her like another daughter. My twin sister, Donna, was also part of our threesome. Oh, the wonderful memories I have of her--one spring we drove non stop from Hinsdale, Illinois to Florida in her brand new white Chevy convertible to visit Ceil and her family in Coral Gables and did the Fort Lauderdale "thing" any up-to- date teenager just HAD to do--go where the boys are! (Those of you from our generation will know exactly what I am talking about.) We sat for hours on the couch knitting together and she helping me with my mistakes--she was always way better than I--and we even knit a pair of argyle socks for my dad--she knit one sock and I the other. Distance has separated us after we married and each moved to other states--but my memories and love for my dear friend will last forever. Until I see you again in glory, I love you "Mare". Carol Rozhon

Heidi, Chris, Jill and Anne
Mom told me the news last week. I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Although it has been many years since we've seen each other I do still remember growing up with you all in the neighborhood. Your mother was a sweet and gentle woman who touched the lives of many people. God be with you all and we'll keep you and your families in our prayers.

Jim, Heidi, Chris, Jill & Annie

My mom and brother contacted me on Monday about the news. My heart is with you all. It was such a pleasure growing up and living / playing next door to you for all those years. I am thinking of MaryAnne and all of you in your time of need.

Dear Chris, Jill, Heidi and Annie and Ed: You all had the joy and fun of a wonderful and accomplished Mom, and sister,known not only for her knitting, but for many other good things. Remember all the good times through the tears you have now; but most of all,love your spouses and families,and share her life with them, especially "Granny's" grandchildren.

What a wonderful mother you all had! May you carry her thoughtful spirit with you in your hearts. I so enjoyed the pleasure of her company on her visits to Sandpoint.
My thoughts are with you Jill, Annie, Heidi & Chris during this time of her passing.

Heidi and Joe/ Ed and Amy,
Nate and I so sorry for your loss. We hope that all of your wonderful memories will bring you comfort as you go through this difficult time.
Jean and Nate Fisher

Mary Anne,
Your smiling face and clicking needles will be missed. I only knew you from a few meetings of the Treasure Valley Knitting Guild several years ago, but I remember you. The other ladies assured me that you were an awesome knitter and a very nice person. They were right--thank you!
Shelley Winiger, fellow knitter

Mary anne was a beautiful and gracious lady. I feel fortunate to have known her and to call her my friend. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together.

Jim, Ed & Chris,
We are honored to have known Mary Anne, I'm sad that I didn't know she was ill, I will miss her. Our heartfelt prayers are with you and your families. When my husband, Hugh, and I came to your house to do some Remodeling, we were welcomed with open arms. Her passion for life, and love for her family and friends was outstanding. We will miss her visits to ECCO, ESOP Dinners and Christmas Parties. We will never forget that your whole family makes it a point to call people by their first names, that means alot. I feel Mary Anne taught that show of personal respect.
Love, and May God Bless.

My wife,Tory,and I so fondly remember the many evenings the four of us spent sitting on our "council rock" as neighbors on Sandstone Lane. There we would sip (drink!) red wine and solve problems large and small, from neighborhood issues to city, state, national and global politics.
And of course we remember a Christmas dinner years ago when the 'thumps' started on our living room window. As they began to come more frequently and my curiosity rose to the point that I had to investigate, I opened the front door only to be caught in an onslaught of snowballs launched by the entire Thompson clan! The snowball fight which ensued ended in a draw (actually, the Thompsons won hands down) when we could no longer feel our fingers, our cheeks were rosy and our shirts were filled with snow! What fun!
We love and will miss you dearly, Mary Anne.

I would like to express my most sincere condolences to the whole Thompson family. My memories of Mary Anne, although brief, are fond one's. The whole ECCO family has lost a very valuable team member

Kindest regards,

Kevin, Adriana and Chloe Crowe