LOIS JEAN THOMPSON

March 3, 1926—February 6, 2016
Lois Jean Thompson, nee Webb, born to Lottie and James Neil Webb in Regina, Saskatchewan passed away quietly on February 6, 2016. She was an amazing person; surviving eclamptic seizures at birth, tuberculosis at 17, and retiring from the 12 hour work days at the family frozen food business, Ernest Thompson Dist. Ltd. when she was 86. Among her fi nal words were, “It’s not that I am going to die, it’s that I had the chance to live.”
From the time Lois was a young girl, she helped in the family store in Creelman, Saskatchewan. Her innate generosity and easiness with putting everyone before herself was fostered by watching her parents looking out for neighbours during the depression, readily extending credit to community members for necessities, even when payment was unlikely to arrive. At the age of 10, the family packed up their belongings, strapping beds to the roof of the car and made their way to the Rainy River District. They set up home in Devlin at the old MacDonald farm. Three years later, the family moved to Fort Frances where Lois went to high school, played on the basketball team and helped in the family business, J. N. Webb’s.
When Lois was 17, she decided, against her parents’ wishes, to assist in the War efforts. She boarded the train and made her way to Kitchener, Ontario where she worked in the Kaufman Rubber Factory making gas masks for soldiers and civilians. Unfortunately, she contracted tuberculosis. She was put on forced bedrest in Freeport Hospital. Finally, after three years of monthly check–ups, she was able to shed her bathrobe, get dressed, and continue with her life.
Lois returned to Fort Frances in 1948. As with many professions of the era, she became a dental assistant through experience working with Doctor Ayre and a nurse working for Dr. Boyle and Dr. Solomon. Her X-ray technique was renowned, even by health practitioners beyond the local district.
In May of 1950, Lois met the love of her life, Ernest Thompson. Three months later in October 1950, they were united in marriage and moved into Ernie’s family home. Together they had four children, Wendy in 1954, Linda in 1956, David in 1957 and Bruce in 1959.
Side by side, Lois and Ernie began their own home-based business, incorporating Ernest Thompson Dist. Ltd. in 1960. Lois continued running the business after Ernie’s death until 2011, when she retired and sold it at the age of 86.
Lois liked to be busy and make sure that “every step counted,” never being empty handed. She was an active member of La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary and Rainycrest Auxiliary. She was very pleased with the acquisition of a new tub for Rainycrest. She would have liked to see a new tub for the hospital as well.
She loved being a homemaker and knitting, particularly mittens and socks, which family, friends, and children around the district have come to cherish.
Lois was predeceased by her husband, Ernie Thompson (2009), parents, James Neal Webb (1971), Lottie Thompson Webb (1980), sister, Muriel McFayden (2009), brothers, Darrell Webb (2004), and just 10 days before Lois, Alan Webb (2016).
She is survived by her sister Norma White Niema, sister-in-law, Colleen Thompson Carpenter, and brother-in-law John Desautel. She leaves to mourn, her children: Wendy Angus (Brian) of Fort Frances, Linda Ross (Dave) of Kelowna, BC, Dave Thompson (Dianne), and Bruce Thompson (Diane) of Fort Frances; grandchildren, Melissa Nordin (Tyler) of Stratton, Sarah Angus (Andrew Johnston) of Ancaster, ON, Craig Ross (Bridget), Codey Ross (Andre Tagunoid) and Chaley Ross (Chris Buchanan) of Kelowna, BC, Derek Thompson of Edmonton, SK, Dylan Thompson of Portage La Prairie, MB, Matthew Thompson of Grande Prairie, AB, Brandon Thompson of Fort Frances; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins and friends.
In keeping with Lois’s sentiment, “It’s not that I am going to die, it’s that I had the chance to live,” a Celebration of Life for Lois Jean Thompson will take place at the Legion on Saturday, March 5 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. In lieu of fl owers, donations may be made to the La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary and Rainycrest Auxiliary or to a charity of your choice.
We will miss you Mom.
“It’s not that I am going to die, it’s that I had the chance to live.”