Obituary of Marie Elizabeth Thompson

In loving memory of Marie Elizabeth Thompson (nee Murdoch) July 21, 1930 – May 8, 2014 Marie was born in Cranbrook, BC, to Mary Christina (nee Dea) and Lovell Steele Murdoch, into a family of 6 children. She spent her early years in Canal Flats, Bull River and Yahk before moving to Cranbrook at about the age of 12. She spent her teenage years there completing high school and then went to Victoria for Normal School to become a teacher. Her first year of teaching was in Fort Steele; it was the last year that there was a teacher there. She then taught in Cranbrook for a few years before moving to the coast. In 1955 she married Gordon Thompson. They had 5 children and lived for over 40 years on Thornhill. When Marie went back to teaching in the 1960’s she was instrumental in creating the remedial reading program in the district. She worked as principal’s relief at Whonnock, Thornhill, Ruskin, Webster’s Corner, Alexander Robinson and Albion schools. She also taught at many other elementary schools over the years. She ended her career in 1988 at Eric Langton where she had taught Learning Assistance for over 20 years. She was well known in the Thornhill community and was part of the crew that built the original Thornhill Hall. We can remember her and Dad cutting and painting the letters that made up the “THORNHILL PARK” sign on 100th Ave. She will be remembered for her love of children – at any baby shower, you could hand the new baby to Marie, and the baby would settle happily into Marie’s arms. Marie is survived by 6 children, Mary Parrish (Pat Rowe), Christie (John) Munro, Susan (Fred) Latulippe, Linda Cardinal (Kenny Neufeld) Tracy (Tim) Niemier and Peter Thompson, as well as 5 grandchildren, Nicole (Todd) Parker, Donna Marsh, Ian Munro, Carly Marsh and Steve Munro, and 2 great grandchildren, John and Elliette Parker. She is also survived by her sister Bertie Askew (Cranbrook) and her brother Bill Murdoch (Vernon) and many nieces and nephews and their children. Predeceased by her ex-husband Gordon Thompson, her father and mother, brothers Jack and Bob and sister Jean Murdoch, son-in-law Fred Latulippe and grandchildren Daniel and Rachel Munro. Please join us to celebrate her life on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 1:00 at the Thornhill Hall, 26007 – 98th Ave, Maple Ridge, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Plan Canada or a charity of your choice.