Obituary of Carole M. Thompson

Carole M. Thompson of Willow Grove, PA, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015. She was 77. Born March 23, 1938, in Naples, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Virginia (Mormann) Mitchell. After moving with her family from Italy as a young girl, she was raised in Collingswood, NJ. She graduated from Collingswood High School in 1955. Carole met her husband Wayne in 1960, while they both were employed at the bank. After their subsequent marriage in 1961, Carole's main passion was raising her three children. As a homemaker, Carole pursued her natural artistic talents. Throughout her lifetime she loved sketching, drawing, painting, and ceramics. She often would share her artistry with family and friends. At one point Carole also enjoyed being a part-time seamstress working for a dress designer. She also loved working with children, and was a preschool teacher for many years. Carole enjoyed volunteering at Grace Presbyterian Church in Jenkintown, PA, where she was a member for 54 years. She participated in women's groups, and served as a Deacon and on a pastoral selection committee. She also loved providing assistance and care for the elderly, and enjoyed politics at the local level serving as a committeewoman for several years. Carole was an avid lover and caretaker of animals her entire life. Her beloved canine companions Daisy (mix) and Honey (Golden Retriever rescue) ultimately led to her passionate love of Golden Retrievers. She worked as a pet sitter and trainer for many years up through her final year of life. Whether it was a dog, cat, or even a bird, she would be no happier than having the opportunity to connect and care for animals. Fittingly, her final moments of animal connection, bonding, and love were provided by Oslo, the Golden Retriever Therapy Dog. Carole is survived by her husband of 54 years, Wayne W. Thompson Jr., her son Wayne W. Thompson III, and daughters Laurie T. Garner and Wendy L. Casper (David M.), her five granddaughters and two grandsons who affectionately called her Meme, and her sister Lois M. Sheilds (Richard P.). She is also survived by a sister-in-law, several brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Joyce M. Dalsey. Relatives and friends will be received on Friday October 23, 2015 from 7:00-9:00 PM at Helweg & Rowland Funeral Home, 1059 Old York Road, Abington, PA. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 24, 2015, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 444 Old York Road (at Vista Road), Jenkintown, PA where relatives and friends will be received from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be at Whitemarsh Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Carole to Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue Inc. (www.dvgrr.org) , 60 Vera Cruz Road, Reinholds, PA 17569.