March 13 1916 January 15 2020 (age 103)
Obituary DeLores L. Thompson, age 103, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2020. She was born in Lodi, WI on March 13, 1916, to John and Christine Gunderson. She attended West High School in Madison, WI and graduated a year early in 1933, then went on to the University of Wisconsin. She also studied art at Madison Area Technical College, and later taught art classes there. DeLores had a successful career as an X-ray Technician early on, and later spent many years as a Medical Secretary for several doctors, both in private practice and at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. She met and fell in love with Donald R. Thompson and they were married in 1949 in Madison, WI, a partnership that spanned 65 years. DeLores brought a daughter from a previous marriage to the family, and she and Donald also raised 2 children of their own. While the children were young, DeLores dedicated herself to being a loving mom and homemaker, and a devoted wife, returning to work after the children started school. Her husband Donald was an avid outdoorsman and scientist, fascinated by all the wonders of nature. As such, he led his family (always including the family dogs!) on many adventures that involved rustic camping and nature explorations in the north woods of Wisconsin, and to South Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming. DeLores shared Donald’s enthusiasm for such excursions, and her dedication, organization skills and planning assured their success. DeLores, known fondly as “Dee” to family and friends, was a prolific and accomplished artist in virtually all media, as well as a portrait artist. She was a longtime member of the Madison (WI) Art Guild and won many awards in juried art shows. She was always in great demand to display her work at sidewalk art shows and to do onsite portraits. DeLores was also a musician and played the piano, organ, violin and Hardanger fiddle. She was her birth family’s historian and was an excellent writer. Other passions included exquisite knitting, crocheting, and greeting card design. She loved dogs and other animals, including all types of wildlife. DeLores was a member of First Congregational Church in Madison, WI during the 1950’s and 1960’s and often remarked that she found the teachings of Reverend Dr. Alfred Swan to be an inspiration to her life. She enjoyed singing in various church choirs when she was younger. DeLores was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her parents, and six adult siblings, as well as several infant siblings. She was the youngest member of her family of origin, outliving all of them and their spouses and setting the record for living the longest of all her known relatives and ancestors. She also mourned the death of her daughter, Barbara Connor, and many beloved pet dogs. DeLores is survived by her daughter, Sher Olson of Albuquerque, NM; son, John Thompson of Boulder, CO; four grandchildren, Erik Olson, Adam Thompson, Nathan Thompson, and Theron Connor; and five great grandchildren, Evan Olson, Ella Olson, Beckett Thompson, Devin Khan, and Aden Khan. To know DeLores was to love her and to be embraced by her kindness and unconditional acceptance. Beyond her many amazing accomplishments, she will be remembered for her devotion to family, both young and old, her humility, and her passion for life-long learning. Her gentle spirit and gifting truly graced our world and made it a more beautiful place. The family wishes wholeheartedly to thank the outstanding employees of Albuquerque’s Home Care Assistance and BeeHive Homes for their compassionate and loving care to DeLores during the past four years. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family wishes to have donations made to animal humane organizations of the donor’s choice, in DeLores’s name. A memorial gathering is currently pending and will be announced at a later date. Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-821-0010 To send flowers to DeLores’ family, please visit our floral section.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of DeLores L Gunderson Thompson March 13 1916 January 15 2020 (age 103).
Daniels Family Funeral Services
Death notice for the town of: -, state: New Mexico