Jean Ordell Huntley Thompson's Obituary
Jean Ordell Huntley Thompson, 97, of Berkeley, CA, passed away March 26th, 2018.
She was born in Leonard, ND on August 14th, 1920.
Jean graduated from high school in Kindred, ND.
She got her bachelor’s degree from ND State four years later.
She had wanted to be a nurse. But her doctor father wouldn’t allow it.
He thought nurses were not treated well enough.
Her young adult years were spent as a housewife and mother.
Bridge was important entertainment in those days.
She accompanied her Air Force husband from ND to Germany
to ND to Mississippi. Back again to Europe, to England and France.
Then NC, Then Seattle.
Jean and Halvden separated in the 70’s and Jean moved to CA
to be with her older daughter, Rebecca.
CA had a displaced homemakers program.
Jean was finally able to become a nurse, getting her LVN degree.
She said she could hear the young peoples’ minds whirling as hers plodded.
But she did just fine. And happily paid her (high) state income taxes.
Hobbies at this time in her life included a love of roses, shared by her daughters.
Jean was an expert knitter. Nothing was to complicated for her.
Her family benefitted from this advocation.
Jean’s oldest child, Rebecca, predeceased her.
She is survived by Rebecca’s older daughter Lisa (Tom) Stekol, and their children
Emily and Sam Stekol; and by Rebecca’s younger daughter,
Amy Gurney, and her children, Jack, Ben, and Will Gurney.
Pete (Nancy) Thompson, and their sons, Peter and Paul Thompson,
and by Barbara Thompson.
Jean was lucky to have five siblings. Of these original six, only sister Kay Clarke lives.
She does have twelve beloved nephews and nieces on the Huntley side,
and three on the Thompson side.
What’s your fondest memory of Jean?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jean?
Share a story where Jean's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jean you’ll never forget.
How did Jean make you smile?