Elizabeth J. Thompson

Thompson, Elizabeth J.
Of Kalamazoo Elizabeth Jane Firestone Thompson, mama par excellence and grandma and grandma-great, aunt and friend, ad infinitum died Tuesday afternoon, February 2, 2010, surrounded by family, full of peace in her earthly end. She was 91 and weary, eager to go Home... Elizabeth was born in Dowagiac, Michigan, on January 1, 1919, to James F. and Lillian M. Firestone, deceased. She was preceded in death also by two brothers, Robert I. Firestone and James E. Firestone. On April 5, 1942, she was united in marriage to Robert L. Thompson, who died on April 8, 2004. Together they had four sons who survive: J. Michael Sharon Thompson of Mattawan, Ronald M. Edna Thompson of Richland, Donald E. Nancy Thompson of East Grand Rapids, and Thomas R. Sharon Thompson of Grand Rapids. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren: Troy A. Lori Thompson, Chad N. Gayle Thompson, Nicole A. Kyle Douglass, Matthew E. Sarah Thompson, Amy E. Bryan Hellard, Scott D. Alyssa Thompson, Cathy C. Alex Andros, Jennifer M. Thompson, Aubree E. Thompson, Nathan J. Thompson and Lukas D. Thompson. Surviving, too, are twelve great-grandkids with five more about to join the line-up. In addition, Elizabeth leaves behind her dear sister, Patricia John Reitz of Ann Arbor, and sisters-in-law Beatrice Quade of Beloit, Bonita Jenkins of Kalamazoo and Rebecca Robert Brunton of Eaton Rapids. Most vitally, she trails behind her a vast legacy of quiet service to others: all the years of delivering "Meals on Wheels," all the volunteerism for the Red Cross, all the running of errands for ailing neighbors, all the notes of encouragement as she dispensed her perfect caring and God's relentless grace. Her "greatest achievement?" "Raising four sons," she'd say. Her "greatest joy?" "My family... I'm just a family person." We who bear the imprint of this beautiful, tenacious woman owe her beyond measure, beyond words. Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 11th at Westwood United Methodist Church, 538 Nichols Rd., Pastor Wayne Price officiating, followed by lunch and then by a graveside ceremony at Riverside Cemetery. Friends may greet the family on Wednesday, February 10th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. The Thompson family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Elizabeth's memory be made to any of the following charities: Senior Services for "Meals on Wheels", 918 Jasper, Kalamazoo, MI 49001; Southern Care Hospice, 4341 S. Westnedge Ave., Suite 2100, Kalamazoo, MI 49008; Westwood United Methodist Church Foundation, 538 Nichols Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49006; Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, 448 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007; Habitat for Humanity, 525 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Coming to the wire after nine decisive decades, Elizabeth Jane Thompson exemplified the words of St. Paul, for she had indeed "fought the good fight... finished her course... kept the faith." Amen. Please visit www.langelands.com to read the obituary, obtain directions to the funeral home and church, leave a condolence to the family and view the video montage.