Obituary of Jean Thomson

THOMSON: Jean Thomson passed away peacefully at Fairview Home in Brandon, Manitoba on Friday, April 26, 2019 at the age of 89, surrounded by her three children. She was born to Robert and Jane Clark on August 31, 1929 in Brandon, Manitoba, the youngest of five children. Jean grew up with her siblings Bert, Ina, Norm, and Peggy in the East End of Brandon and attended St. Michael's Academy, where she delivered the valedictory address upon graduation in 1947. Near the end of her high school years, she began volunteering with Cubs alongside Don Thomson at First Presbyterian Church. Before too long, and not much to Don's surprise, Don's younger brother, Lloyd, began appearing to escort young Jean on her walk home from Cubs. She married the love of her life, Lloyd Thomson, in 1950 and together they raised three boys in Brandon: Bob, Greg, and Neil. Jean remained dedicated to the church throughout her life, serving in various senior positions in the Women's Missionary Society, including President and Treasurer. Jean was a rock for her family, providing care and comfort before anyone even thought they might be in need of it. She was similarly on hand when the church or any of it's members were in need, spearheading funeral teas and church fundraisers. When she wasn't serving the congregation or hiding her church baking from her three sons, Jean was knitting elaborate sweaters and scarves for her loved ones, sewing clothes for her boys, and painting. During their golden years Jean and Lloyd traveled to Scotland on multiple occasions with her sister Peggy and husband Alec, visiting family in Forfar and ensuring their grandchildren were well outfitted with Scottish paraphernalia. Jean and Lloyd made a point to set aside time to visit their children and grandchildren in Brandon, Alberta, and Florida and delighted in the time they spent with them. After Lloyd's passing in 1993, Jean continued to pursue time with her family, making trips to visit her far-flung children and always providing her famous Heavenly Torte for holiday gatherings. True to her valedictorian past, and likely necessary in a house full of boys, Jean was known for her wit, sense of humour, and quick one-liners. She was forever surprising her grandchildren with zingers – an unpredictable deviation from the composed, unassuming persona she embodied. As much as Jean will be missed, solace can be found in the knowledge that she is at last reunited with her beloved Lloyd. She is survived by her children and their families: son Robert Clark (June) Thomson, grandchildren Becky (Adam) Doenz, and Travis Thomson, and great grandchildren Locklyn, Tate, and Layton Doenz; Son Gregory Clark (Cheryl) Thomson, grandchildren Caitlyn, Kelsey, and Jesse (Nicole Scola) Thomson; and son Neil Clark (Vivian) Thomson, grandchildren Brittany (Pan) Yannitsos, and Chantal (Orlando Easterling) Thomson, and great grandchild Leo Yannitsos. A service in remembrance of Jean's life will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church 339 12th Street in Brandon. Donations in memory of Jean can be made to the First Presbyterian Church Foundation, 339 12th Street, Brandon MB R7A 4M3.