Marilyn Elizabeth Thompson

Beautiful Marilyn Elizabeth Thompson; aviatrix, mother, grandmother and friend died peacefully at her home on April 15, 2023. She was born May 6, 1939 in Metcalfe, Ontario Canada to Maybell and Hilliard Thompson. She had two siblings, an older sister Anne and younger brother Wilton. Marilyn often said her maternal grandmother, Josie Cooper, was an incredible influence and support in her life. Marilyn had an amazing life full of love, achievement, complexities and adventures.

Marilyn left home at an early age of 17 to create a life of her own. She moved to the big city of Ottawa and began working for MetLife and modeling. She later met Tom Chernoff in Toronto, the father of her son, Dean Thompson. They enjoyed city life as well as farm life in raising Shetland ponies together. It was during these early years of independence that Marilyn became passionate about aviation. She quickly embraced life in the air and dedicated her time and energy in learning how to fly. She earned her private fixed wing pilot's license in Toronto and later became ATP qualified to fly numerous jets, float planes and later in life Bell helicopters.

Marilyn made her way to Southern CA in 1967 in hopes of a new, fresh start in life. Marilyn's passion for aviation followed her to California where she proudly worked for the US Navy as a civilian flying Lear Jets for training missions. She later evolved into an astute business woman in San Diego for years.

Marilyn developed deep faith in Jesus Christ in adulthood that carried her through challenging times. She and her son Dean were members of San Diego Assembly of God for many years and that began an incredible friendship with Dick and Elnora Dresselhaus. Ministry was important to Marilyn and she spent decades ministering to all those around her. Her Bible Study ladies were her family.

Marilyn and her friends prayed for years that her son, Dean, would marry and have children. Dean met his wife, Jill Thompson, through Marilyn's aviation passion. Dean and Jill married in 2005 and Marilyn was thrilled to welcome Hilliard Christian in 2006, Josie Paige in 2007, Lincoln Sully 2008 and twins Laura Grace and Wilton Timothy in 2009. Marilyn's life changed with the gift of grandchildren and they soon became her greatest pride and joy.

Marilyn's life was blessed with so many people that genuinely loved her. The concept of "chosen family" was so evident in her life. Marilyn is survived by many family, chosen family and friends. Her brother, Wilton Thompson (Lois) of Metcalfe, Ontario and son Dean and his family of Bonsall, CA. Cheyenne Miramontes and Maria "Lupe" Hernandez were longtime loyal companions and chosen family that selflessly worked with Marilyn for close to 20 years. "Sisters In Faith" were so important to Marilyn as well; Brooksyne (Stephen) Weber, Virginia Whitelock and Elnora Dresselhaus. Longtime friend John Murphy remained very special to Marilyn for the last 25 years.

Dean, Cheyenne, Lupe and Jill would like to thank Dr. Lee Rice for saving Marilyn's life seven years ago. His compassionate, competent care allowed for wonderful, loving, healing years to follow. Dr. Rice's care for Marilyn this last chapter of her life was truly a gift from God. Marilyn's care through Comfort Keepers was incredible as well. Blanca Hernandez, Marites Bellaflor, Hilda Gomez, Stephanie Avalos, Hannah Danielson, Maria Ochoa, Maria "Eva" Pacheco, Maria Gaytan, Annika Millendez will always be cherished.

If desired, you may remember Marilyn's life through a gift to her favorite charities: San Diego Rescue Mission, DailyEncouragement.net or AOPA. But the best tribute to Marilyn's life would be to spend some extra time with your family and chosen family sharing love and making memories like Marilyn so treasured.