Adeline Thompson

Although her life was filled with many beautiful things, there was nothing more near and dear to the heart of Adeline Thompson than the family she shared with the love of her life. She was a devoted mother who was thrilled to become a grandmother, and she never hesitated to dote over each and every one of her five grandchildren. Throughout her life, Adeline possessed a personal faith that was her constant companion and the compass that directed her path. Adeline was a gifted floral artist who shared her gift with countless others while bringing heartfelt expressions to life in the beautiful arrangements she created. A loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and loyal friend, Adeline will be deeply missed. As the 1930s dawned in America countless people braced themselves to weather the storms of the Great Depression. This decade saw Shantytowns crop up across the country and with an unemployment rate that peaked at just over 25 percent and wages that were substantially less than they had been prior to the depressions onset, there was little hope for reprieve. We were entertained by movies such as Mutiny on the Bounty and Gone with the Wind on the silver screen while baseball legend Joe DiMaggio began his career with the New York Yankees. It was during this trying time that there was great joy in the family of Walter and Martha (Mueller) Haney since they were pleased to welcome another daughter into their hearts and home on November 30, 1930. Adeline Marie was the younger of two girls in her family including her sister, Virginia, who was 11 years her senior. Since she was so much younger than her sister, Adeline spent much of her childhood playing with her cousin, Ellie. As little girls they played with dolls and Monopoly and remained close friends through the years. In many ways, Adeline experienced a childhood that was rather typical for the youth of this generation. She was raised in the family home on 8th Street in downtown Muskegon and attended Muskegon Public Schools. Adeline began playing in a Canasta club that she was a part of for over 40 years. Life was forever changed for Adeline when she went out on a double date one fateful evening. The interesting thing was that the young man she left with was not the same young man she ended the evening with as she and her friend decided to switch dates halfway through the evening. From the moment Adeline officially began her date with Harley Thompson, there was an attraction between them that neither could deny. That night was the beginning of a love story that would span nearly 60 years. Deeply in love, it wasnt long before the couple decided to get married. Since she lived across the street from Samuel Lutheran Church, Adeline decided to get ready at home on her big day. Her wedding day proved to be an unforgettable one as Muskegon was blanketed by a blizzard that day and while making the trip across the street, Adeline fell in a snow bank and got her dress all wet. Once at the church they did their best to dry her dress. The only thing that really mattered, however, was that she was marrying her true love and it was on that day, November 18th of 1949, that Adeline became Mrs. Harley Thompson. Together the couple was blessed with three wonderful children, Lin, Denise, and Randall. They raised their children on the east side of Muskegon where Adeline loved preparing delicious meals for her family. They enjoyed going to church together followed by a big Sunday dinner each week. The Thompsons spent many weekends in the summer camping at Stony Lake. Adeline and Harley enjoyed spending time together, too, with some of their favorite activities being square dancing, playing Bingo, and going to flea markets and garage sales. In addition to caring for her family, Adeline was a florist at Bos Floral for over 10 years. At that point, she started her own wedding floral business out of her home. Adeline poured her heart and soul into her work and the results were breathtaking. All who saw her work agreed that Adeline was a talented artist. Later in life, Adeline continued to make the most of the days she was given. She was overjoyed to become a grandmother to five grandchildren who were the light of her life: Ryan, Alec, Kara, Whitney, and Rachel. Adeline loved spoiling them and often hosted them for the night. She just loved keeping up to speed with everything that was going in in the lives of her grandchildren. After Harley retired they did some traveling including to Las Vegas, on several cruises, and a memorable trip to Hawaii. For 17 years they left the cold Michigan winters behind and spent the season in Florida. Adeline also enjoyed the companionship of her beloved Siamese cats and treasured being a member of Edgewood Lutheran Church. On October 4, 2009, Adeline was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved Harley. During the days, weeks, and months that followed, she loved having her family around even more, and she cherished each and every moment they spent together. In everything she did Adeline Thompson was a lady who carried herself with grace, humility, and a quiet strength that saw her through times of great joy and times of deep sorrow. She loved being with her family and always went above and beyond to make the holidays such a special time for all who gathered. A true beauty on the inside and out, Adelines memory will be forever cherished by many. Adeline Marie Thompson died on May 29, 2011 in Muskegon, MI. Adelines family includes her son, Randall (Jean) Thompson of Knoxville; 2 daughters, Lin (Ted) Borduin of Grand Rapids & Denise Dhuse of Norton Shores; 5 grandchildren, Ryan, Alec, Kara, Whitney & Rachel. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harley Thompson on October 4, 2009 & sister, Virginia. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2011, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Visit with Adelines family and friends on Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. & Wednesday, 10-11 a.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Give Kids The World. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.