Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low near 40F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..
Tonight
Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low near 40F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Jean Thompson died peacefully March 3, 2026, at the age of 93. Her death followed visits from family and friends.
She was born Jean Eleanor on July 1, 1932, in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England, growing up with three sisters: Joyce, Margaret and Anne. During World War II, she and Joyce were evacuated to a farm in Hexham, a village outside of Newcastle. They missed their mother and younger sisters and soon returned home, where they often went to bomb shelters when the air raid sirens alerted them to German bombers. She told stories of gas masks, food rationing and listening to Letter from America on the radio. The war made her resourceful, creative and clever. She often said, “We didn’t have things. We had imaginations!”
Jean finished school in 1946. Her teacher wrote: “She is confident and is a most reliable girl,” adding that she had an aptitude for dramatic work and games.
Her first job was as an office clerk for the London and Newcastle Tea Company. From there she worked in reception at the Turks Head Hotel, where she met her future husband, Fred Thompson. He worked in catering. They wed Dec. 16, 1950, and had four children: Peter, David, Jennifer and Jill. In England, they had a house built and enjoyed yearly holidays, but decided to emigrate to Canada in 1966, settling in Tsawwassen, B.C. In 1968, they emigrated to the U.S. The family lived in Georgia before moving to Hood River, Oregon, in 1970. Jean and Fred bought a house on Eliot Drive and owned and operated the Apple Blossom Cafe on Oak Street for many years. After selling the cafe, they traveled across the U.S. in a motor home for several months and then started a cleaning business, Neat and Nifty.
When Fred died on May 31, 1993, Jean gave up the business and started traveling with family and friends. She cruised through the Panama Canal and up the Amazon River as well as taking cruises to Mexico and Alaska. She went all over the world, including Australia, Ireland, China, the Netherlands and France. Her favorite travel story was hiking nine miles down the Bright Angel Trail from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to meet a raft for a trip on the Colorado River. It was a long, hot hike for someone pushing 80!
Along with traveling, she volunteered for the Sunshine Club when it first started and the Hood River Valley Adult Center store. She sang with the Riverside Community Church choir for several years. And for years, she went almost daily to the Sports Club to take a water aerobic class. She especially enjoyed playing water polo on Fridays. COVID brought an end to this part of her routine, but she continued to attend birthday dinners with her exercise friends.
She lived independently to the end of her life, taking care of her house, garden and family. She was a gracious host and an excellent cook. Food was her love language, providing delicious meals. She loved family gatherings. She was generous, thoughtful and kind, sending birthday cards to family and friends and many Christmas cards each year.
She is survived by her children, Peter of Portland, David (Karen) of Parkdale, Oregon, Jennifer (David) of Hawaii and Jill (John) of Parkdale; nine grandchildren, Jason, Daniel, Mya, Marissa, Miranda, Emily, Ian, Paul and Emma; and 15 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life is planned for June 6.
Columbia Gorge News, April 15
To plant a tree in memory of Jean Thompson as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
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