Death notice for Joan Thompson Thompson, Joan Payne between January 1 and November 25, 2022
She was born on January 1 as Joan Payne in Chicago, Illinois. Along with her mother (98), great aunt (99), and sister Gine, she had a long life (99). Early in the Great Depression, her family relocated to a rural area of Michigan. Eventually, they settled in Three Rivers, Michigan, where Joan grew up and attended Three Rivers High School, graduating in 1940. That year, Joan also competed in the beauty pageant, first as Miss Three Rivers and subsequently as the Southwestern Michigan Blossom Queen.
In March 1943, while he was still in the US Navy, she married Three Rivers resident Edwin Huntington Thompson.
After the war, the couple moved first to Goshen, IN before settling in Mishawaka, IN where they raised three sons.
Mrs. Thompson was a ballet teacher before becoming an administrator in the insurance, hospital, employment, and banking industries. She retired from the latter as the Human Resource Officer for the 1st National Bank of Elkhart in Elkhart, IN in 1978.
She then moved to Southern California and initially lived in Cardiff-By-The-Sea in North San Diego County and worked as a realtor and property manager. She finally retired from real estate at age 85 after moving into a home in San Marcos, CA.
She is survived by sons Stephan (Laurie), Richard (Debbie), six grandchildren, Michele, Jeffrey, Stacey, Erin, Brian, and Salmon, 5 great- grandchildren, and a nephew Bill and nieces Sherry and Cindy. She was predeceased by a son, Gregory.
Much appreciation for the staffs of Pinellas Point Rehabilitation and Nursing in St. Petersburg, and Suncoast Hospice of Empath Health for the excellent care and consideration given to Mrs. Thompson during her last days.
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