Judith R. Thompson

A loving wife and mother, with a passion for her grandchildren, Judith Thompson was an extraordinary woman. She was patient, caring and generous with her time, and never thought twice about going out of her way to help someone who needed her. Judy's vibrant and caring personality was like a ray of sunshine for those close enough to receive the gift of her warmth. 1938 was a year of events and accomplishments in the United States. President Roosevelt signed the Fair Standards Act, while millions of Americans delighted in the release of the original film version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and trembled in fear while listening to Orson Welles broadcast his infamous War of the Worlds. It was also in this year that Judith was born at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, Michigan, on February 22, 1938. Along with her younger sister, Sharon, Judy grew up in the Muskegon area and attended Moon Elementary School and Muskegon Heights High School. Judy had a bright, bubbly personality, which made her a great cheerleader, and she had lots of friends. In 1955, the Judy and Sharon tragically lost their father, Kenneth, who died of black lung disease from working in the foundry. They were both deeply affected by the loss of their father, but found great comfort in each other. When Judy was a senior in high school, she met a young man named Norman Thompson, in White Cloud, Michigan. He was a recent graduate of White Cloud High School. Judy and her friend, Donna, were walking in town when Norman and his brother drove passed them. It was love at first sight for Norman and he somehow knew Judy was the girl for him. They soon began dating and had lots of fun together, attending dances, parties and Judy's senior prom at the Fruitport Pavilion. One time, Judy decided to sow some wild oats and drag raced Norman's car down Western Avenue, only to get caught and sent to driving school. Norman enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955, and went overseas to serve in the Korean Occupation Force. Meanwhile, Judy finished high school, graduating in 1956. During their time apart, the couple stayed in contact through lots of letters until Norman received his honorable discharge in 1957. Upon his return home, Norman asked Judy to marry him, to which she happily said, yes. They began their life together as husband and wife on August 30, 1958, after exchanging wedding vows at the Temple United Methodist Church. The newlyweds made their first home together in an apartment in Spring Lake. Norman was working two jobs for about a year before going to Barber School, and Judy worked at the Muskegon Chronicle. Then, on September 1, 1960, Judy and Norman became the very proud parents of an 8 lb. 6 oz. baby boy they named, Kenneth David. He was born at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, the same birthplace of his mother. Two years later, they welcomed the birth of another son, Andrew, who tragically died one day later. The family soon moved to their new home built by Norman in Dermshire Forest in Grand Haven. The couple became active members of the Grand Haven Jaycees and made lots of new friends in their community, especially at parties at the clubhouse. While Judy stayed home caring for their son, Ken, Norman and his brother-in-law, John, bought Hales Barber Shop in Grand Haven and opened for business. In 1968, Judy and Norman were overjoyed once again with the birth of their third son, Timothy Norman, who weighed in at 8 lbs. 10 oz. With the family now complete, they moved into a second newly built home in 1972, also in Grand Haven. Once Tim started school, Judy went to work at Peach Plains Elementary School. She did a variety of work in the school, including her positions as community education aide, playground supervisor, assistant secretary and lunchroom helper. The greatest perk of the job though was she could keep on eye on Tim too. 1978 was a very proud yet sad year for Judy because her oldest son, Ken, left for college at Michigan State University (MSU). Her firstborn had left the nest and all Judy did was cry, cry and cry. Then, in September of 1985, she and Norman bought a cabin on Diamond Lake in White Cloud, which became a great family fun place with lots of swimming, boating and fishing. Judy absolutely loved it here. When the time came for their son Tim to go to college at Grand Valley, it wasn't as hard on Judy because he stayed at home and worked full time while Norman was working construction. Another very proud day for Judy came in 1986, when Ken married his wife, Mary. Ken and Mary later blessed Judy with her first grandchild (the girl she always wanted) named Delaney, in 1997, . A doting grandmother, Judy now had "someone new to spoil" and she certainly did. Then, a year later, Tim got married to Tammie, who had two little girls, Jessica and Gabby, from her previous marriage. This gave Judy two more precious granddaughters to love and spoil. In October of 1998, another granddaughter was born named Isabella, and in 2004, Victoria was born. What more could Judy ask for - she now had five beautiful granddaughters to love. Family was at the heart of Judy's life and the births of her grandchildren brought her a world of happiness. She deeply loved all of her family and her face would beam with a smile when she was in their company. A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Judy will be greatly missed and frequently remembered. Judy is survived by her husband of 47 years, Norman Thompson; 2 sons, Kenneth (Mary) Thompson of Holt, MI and Timothy (Tammie) Thompson of Grand Haven; 5 grandchildren: Delaney, Jessica, Gabriela, Isabella and Victoria; 1 sister, Sharon (Tom) Teesdale of Lansing; and several nieces and nephews. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Judy, order flowers or make a memorial contribution.