Mary Elizabeth Thompson, 95
Mary Elizabeth Thompson, 95, went to rest Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in Hayden, Idaho, in the loving and beautiful care of the staff at Hayden Place Assisted Living.
Mary was born Jan. 25, 1929, in San Antonio, Texas, to Dennis Van Campen and Jesher Gardner-Van Campen. Her 2 1/2-year-old sister, Uriel, welcomed her and they became a pair of sisters who loved each other dearly and made memories by phone and traveled their whole lives. Mary grew up in the southern states, as her family followed her merchant marine/salesman father around. Her mother’s work as a nurse, teacher, and X-ray and lab technician gave the girls a variety of experiences. Those included helping with newborn babies, learning to recognize broken bones and having their own mom as a teacher!
When the Great Depression hit, Mary and Uriel both went to live in Texas with an aunt and uncle on a little farm that supplied all their needs while their parents scrambled to find work. Later in their early teens, the girls were able to spend the summer at their young Aunt Verdune and Uncle Charlie’s house in Washington, D.C., and freely explore that city all summer long.
High school years found Mary’s family living on a college campus in Madison, Tenn. She loved the campus and the many opportunities it offered. There, she fell in love with a handsome and kind boy named Bill. Their time together was harshly cut short by his diagnosis of a heart condition. Savoring the time they had, Mary would race to his hospital room every day after school and share sweet love and laughter. After his death, the grief that followed was unspeakable.
In time, Mary met and married Orville Thompson, who was returning from World War II, to continue her pre-med education. They moved to Loma Linda, Calif., in 1946 for medical school, where Mary received her PHT degree (Put Husband Through). Many happy memories and friends were made during those years. The family grew with the birth of James, Tricia, Carol, Bobby and twins Mary and Jerry. The family moved to St. Helena, Calif., in 1946. Mary was a busy mom, cooking, baking, canning, gardening, and sewing. She still found time to relax, playing the piano and organ. Mary and Orville chose a country setting for their children to grow up in, where they raised horses, ponies, German shepherd dogs and many cats as well. Over the years, Mary always had a favorite cat in the house as her companion.
After 25 years, the marriage ended and ushered in a new chapter of education for Mary. She excelled in real estate and then became a mortgage broker. She enrolled in dance school and received awards in cha-cha and ballroom dance. Mary also channeled her artistry into painting ceramics and making porcelain dolls from the powder up. She was especially talented at making beautiful and lifelike faces. Each daughter and granddaughter were gifted one of her dolls.
Mary continued to pour herself into being a mom to her children and grandma as the little ones started arriving one by one. She loved celebrating their births, birthdays, graduations, preparing for Christmas, and just being with them. In the 1990s, she enjoyed her great-grandson, Silas, coming to her house every week learning to run to her with open arms. Her latest great-grandson, Everett, who was born just this year in February, was placed in her arms to see and love. She embraced her years of grandparenting.
In the late 1970s, Mary met Jim Simas, and they were married in Kanehee, Hawaii. Jim adored her and doted on her every day of the 20-plus years they had together.
In 1993, they moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, and loved settling and landscaping their new home on Megan Lane. They loved their neighbors, the local Seventh-day Adventist Church family, and the whole community. They enjoyed the natural beauty, making friends and the seasonal events in Sandpoint. Mary put entries in the fair, loved the draft horse show and they opened their home for family and friends to visit.
After Jim’s death in 1998, Mary stayed active being a grandma, serving in the church, helping others and traveling with her sister. She had a love for pink, little jokes, humorous sayings and loved wearing funny T-shirts. Her profound faith and hope in Jesus gave her incredible peace that was beautifully evident to all in her last days.
Mary left a legacy of faith in God and love, and prayers for each member of her family that will live on forever.
Mary is survived by her children, Tricia Robles of Rodeo, Calif., Carol (Lyle) Harder of Sagle, Idaho, Robert (Terri) Thompson of Angwin, Calif., Mary Dee (Dorian) Simons of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Jerry Thompson of Napa, Calif.; daughters by marriage, Judy Simas and Kathy Mitsopoulis, both of Fairfield, Calif.; along with 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim Simas of Sandpoint; sister Uriel Guest of Tampa, Fla.; and son James Thompson of Chattanooga, Tenn.
Her memorial will be held Aug. 10, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at the Sandpoint Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Family and friends are invited to sign Mary’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.