Glenda Jean THOMPSON

On Friday, September 30, 2022, Glenda Jean (Bergen) Thompson passed away at the age of 97, at home in Carmichael, California. The adopted daughter of Eva and George Bergen of Spokane, Washington, Glenda graduated from John Rogers High School in 1943 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1947 at Washington State University in Pullman. She graduated with a Phi Beta Kappa key, a Phi Kappa Phi national honorary, an Alpha Kappa Delta sociology honorary, and a Psi Chi psychology honorary. From 1948 – 1951, Glenda served the community as Miss Spokane. She met Captain William (Bill) M. Thompson; an Air Force pilot stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base and married him in 1951. During Bill's service, the family was posted in England, Nebraska, California, South Dakota and Hawaii. In 1969, Bill retired as a full Colonel, and the family settled in Carmichael, California. They were married for 53 years and raised six beloved children: Jack (Young Thompson), Sara (David Hunt), George, David, Mary (Kotaro Shimogori) and Robert. Glenda was a beloved, gracious, and compassionate being with an extraordinary sense of humor, a strong leader, a devout Christian, and served as chaplain for the Sacramento Republican Women Federated for several years. Glenda is survived by all six children, eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Her husband Bill and her blood siblings Don Steele and Virginia (Steele) Allen preceded her in death. A funeral to celebrate Glenda's life will be held at American River Community Church (3300 Walnut Avenue, Carmichael, California 95608) on December 4, 2022, at 3:00 pm. A reception will follow in the Rasmussen Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American River Community Church at arcconline.org.