Alma P. Thompson

Beloved mother, mother-in-law, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother, Alma Thompson passed away peacefully with family by her side on May 3, 2025. She was born Alma Pelletier on December 22, 1936, to Henry and Edna Pelletier, at her family's home in the French community of Fort Kent, Maine.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11AM Thursday, May 8, 2025, at St. Francis and Clare Parish – 12157 Church St., in Birch Run. Fr. Tom McNamara officiating. Burial in Birch Run Township Cemetery to follow. The family will receive visitors at the church on Thursday from 10AM until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to St. Francis and Clare Parish.
As a gifted storyteller of life experiences, Alma was able to capture her audience with passion and inflection. To those who listened, her life is a snapshot of history – a story filled with adventure and emotion. While growing up, Alma developed a strong work ethic, a sense of initiative and above all, her value of family. In the rugged wilderness of Maine, she labored alongside her parents, 8 brothers, 4 sisters, and others in the village to maintain the commonwealth of the community. This meant time off from the one-room schoolhouse in town to work the potato fields and help around the lumber camp with her family. From a young age, Alma was determined to do her share and frequently tagged along with her older siblings until eventually her younger brothers and sister did the same to her. They would march through knee deep snow and bitter cold to the lumber camp where she would see great draft horses hauling logs out of the woods and eat wild rabbit and potatoes cooked in the kettle on the wood burning stove. Entertainment with family and friends was usually playing music with homemade instruments or a victrola to crank.
Alma married Frank Thompson on December 8, 1954, just before her 18th birthday. Her greatest joy came in 1968 when she became a mother to her daughter, Sandra. With her husband and daughter, Alma settled in Marydel, Maryland where she lived for 26 years and continued her escapades – though to her, she was just living life. In that home and on that land, she raised her daughter and passed on old fashion values and skills. She lived off the land by taking care of chickens and maintaining a meticulous garden. Alma was also responsible for much of the upkeep of the home; while her husband was a long-haul truck driver, she found herself being the "handyman," taking care of anything from carpentry to plumbing repairs. Like the tom-boy she was, Alma lived up to the nickname given to her by her siblings: "Guy." However, she could still sew and make a dress with her old sewing machine. And for all the work she did at home, Alma also worked seasonal jobs in the area and was a long-time member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Marydel. It wasn't until 1996 that Alma moved to Michigan to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law; in the Saginaw/Bridgeport area, she became the biggest fan of her three grandchildren and was a steadfast presence for her family. She was well known for lending a helping hand without being asked. Alma was also a member of Saints Francis and Clare Parish in Birch Run.
After 39 years of marriage, Alma became a widow when her husband Frank passed away in 1994. She was also predeceased by her parents Henry and Edna Pelletier, brothers Lawrence Pelletier, Wilbert Pelletier, Norman Pelletier, Clarence Pelletier, Gerald Pelletier, Camille Pelletier, and Larry Pelletier; sisters Blanche Babin, Annette Berube, and Rinette Hirst.
Alma is survived by her daughter Sandra (Ronald) Helmstadt of Bridgeport, Michigan, sister Jeanette Corriveau and brother Elmer Pelletier (Juanita) both of Florida. She is also survived by Grandchildren Marie (Robert J.) Helmstadt, Louis (Leslie H.) Helmstadt, and Caroline (Julien) Clolinger, Great grandson Cooper Helmstadt, special cousin Beatice and many nieces and nephews. Alma was blessed by many thoughtful friends and neighbors with phone calls, visits, cards, and two special friends who brightened many days for her: Sarah Weisenberger and Riley Clolinger.
O'Guinn Family Funeral Home
Birch Run Chapel
989-624-9342