Obituary of Wanda Thompson
It is with great sadness the family of Wanda M. Theresa (Rogers) Thompson announce her passing, which occurred at her home at Chateau De Champlain, Saint John, NB, on September 12th, 2024. Born in Saint John on October 5, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Leslie & Dora (Aube) Rogers, and wife of 48 years to the late Joe Thompson of Nauwigewauk, NB.
She is much loved and so missed by her children, both hers and those from other mothers, she counted them all as the ones she called her treasures:
Mary Theresa and Gordie Ferris; Mary Beth and Lorne Buchanan; Peter and Kelly Thompson; Darren and Stephanie Thompson.
Her brother Ron (Ann) Rogers; Her sister Sharon (Walter) MacKinnon; Joe’s siblings: Anne (Ross) Titus; Gerald (Beth) Thompson; Marlene and Jane Thompson; Paul (Lynn) Thompson.
She was beloved as Auntie Wanda by Chelsea (Brett Langis) Ferris, and Josh (Jozie) Ferris. Tavish, Declan, Ethan, Elise, Noah, Reid, and Seth absolutely adored her as their Nana. For Mason, Avery, and River, she will always be their Gigi.
Gracie, Vinny, Penny, Jenna, Danny, Remy, Loki, Chloe, Tito, Nemo, Pebbles and William loved her as their "chief treat and pets benefactor". They always happily wagged their tails, meowed their welcomes, and snuggled for cozy naps with her.
Wanda was predeceased by her husband, her parents, brother Leslie Rogers, sisters, Clare Duffley, Joan Robichaud, Doreen Corey, and Jean Humphrey, and Joe’s brother Ron Thompson.
Wanda was a proud graduate of St. Vincent's High School and a former employee of the Bank of Nova Scotia, Charlotte Street, until the birth of Mary Beth. She was active in her parish of St. Alphonsus, Hampton, NB, and led several ministries there, as funeral coordinator, lector, catechist, liturgy committee, and parish council.
She and Joe traveled extensively in their retirement years, visiting all of the kids, family, and friends, and spending several winters in Florida and California. Mom and Dad always laughed when asked how many times they had been to Disney, or where in North America they were driving to next. After Dad passed, Mom continued traveling on river cruises, to Ireland, back to Florida, and more winters in California, always with a sense of adventure and asking, “What’s the plan for today?” Her favourite answers were always out to lunch and dinner with friends and family, or shopping!
Wanda devoted her life to her family and was always the “hostess with the mostest” in heartfelt service and hospitality. Joe did make the pick plates, donut coins and 17-item salads, but it was Wanda who made the magic happen in our home. Beautifully set tables, a warm and welcoming home, home-cooked meals, music and candles every night at dinner, thoughtful prayers of gratitude, celebration, a door that was always open, and so much more, that was all Wanda.
Together, Wanda and Joe created a family empire rich in love, laughter, strength and joy. When Joe died, Wanda often said so much of her died that day as well. His large community funeral celebration was also hers in so many ways.
There will be no public funeral or visitation for Wanda. Cremation has taken place and interment will be next summer at the St. Alphonsus Cemetery.
Donations to the Joe Thompson Memorial Fund are gratefully accepted.
Mom was so proud of this program and it was always a highlight for her to meet the recipients of the award.
To her best friends Alison Garey and Margie Bowlin, you companioned mom with such love over so many years of friendship; to the Breakfast Club; Sorority sisters of Beta Sigma Phi; Bridge Club, neighbours in Nauwigewauk, Vimy Estates, Chateau and so many others from over the years, we thank you for being such a wonderful part of Mom’s life.
To Dr Jim Collings, Dr. Alyssa Fenwick and their offices, EHS, SJRH, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Dr Myers, Dr Roger, everyone on 6th Floor Restorative Unit, Dr Andriane, Dr Bewick; the staff at Chateau de Champlain; Wallace Floyd, Vimy Estates;
Caroline at Palliative Care; Dr MacKinnon;
Pharmacy staff at Sobey’s Landsdowne;
Dyson, Jerome and Parker Regular, Theresa and Jeff all from Reid’s Funeral Home … words cannot begin to express our gratitude.
Celebrating Wanda’s life and officiating at her “living funeral liturgy” here at home and surrounded by her family on September 12, 2024, was her friend and Spiritual Director of St Joseph’s Hospital, Angela King.
The Irish Blessing and a Toast to Nana was given by Declan Buchanan….” And until we meet again, may God keep you safe in the palm of God’s hand”
Together, we sang “Here I Am, Lord”, Mom’s favourite hymn.
Tavish Buchanan proclaimed the Word,
Proverbs 31:10-31
“…Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her!”
We listened to Ave Maria - one of Mom’s favourite songs. Mom’s cousin, Marion Harvey sang this at Mom and Dad’s wedding on July 1, 1967.
One of Mom’s favourite blessings was given by Chelsea Ferris:
“May God grant you always
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
And a sheltering angel so nothing can harm you”
During the song, On Eagle’s Wings, she proclaimed her love for each of us present, calling each of us by name.
And then, from all of us:
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Mary Beth anointed her. And Mom, knowing the best moment to gracefully slip away, did just that while The Tenors sang “Angels Calling”. With joy, humour, grace and beauty surrounded by love and hundreds of flowers, she went to Dad’s arms.
It’s a terrible day, Thanks be to God
