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Judith Thompson Obituary
A private graveside service for Judith (Grant) Johnson Thompson, 75, will be held on Friday, June 6th, at Pioneer Cemetery. A reception for friends will follow from 3:00 to 5:00 in the All Seasons Den of The Oread. Judith died at home of complications from Multiple Sclerosis on Sunday, June 1st.
Judith was born February 18th, 1939, in New Britain, CT, the only daughter of Abel E. and Frances G. Johnson. She received a B.A. cum laude in English Literature from Middlebury College in 1961, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa the same year. She earned an M.A. in 1975 and a Ph.D. in 1982, both in English from KU.
Judith married Peter Gage Thompson on July 1st, 1961, and moved from the East Coast to Lawrence in 1965 where they have since lived. Judith taught English part-time at KU from 1975-1987. After she resigned from teaching, Judith led a "Great Books" Discussion Group for the University Women's Club until 2007. She was a published scholar of Tennessee Williams.
Judith is survived by her husband Peter; two daughters, Sarah T. Fulkerson and husband Lyle of Wellesley, MA, and Rachel T. Meiring and husband Philip of Leawood, KS; and four granddaughters, Greta and Audrey Fulkerson, and Amy and Emily Meiring.
Contributions are suggested to the National MS Society - Judith J. Thompson Memorial Fund (http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/jthompson).
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Judith Thompson
James and Susan r Moeser
June 12, 2014
Dear Peter, Sarah, and Rachel
We were so saddened to hear of Judith's death. Peter, we so admire your loving care for her. We will always remember Judith's intellect, her keen sense of humor, and her love for her family.
Please know that our thoughts are with you.
James and Susan Moeser
Marcia Meiring
June 9, 2014
Rachael, I 'm sure that your wonderful memories of your mother will help sustain you in the coming days and you will always carry a piece of your mother with you.
S.R. Boggs
June 6, 2014
I was blessed to be able to help care for Judith for the past 4 years. She was amazing. She was subtly funny, intelligent,and very particular! Watching Peter's love and devotion to her was inspirational. I adore the Thompson family and have nothing but fond memories of my time spent with them.
Mike Brennan
June 5, 2014
Having met her daughters, she clearly was an amazing woman who leaves an amazing legacy. I wish I had the opportunity to know her. Sarah, thinking of you and your family. xo
Judith McCrea
June 5, 2014
I can't help but think the angels sing a little sweeter now.
Tracy and Lana Russell
June 5, 2014
Peter, Sarah, and Rachel,
It's the little things, the small, everyday occurrences that you'll remember. The laughs, the stories, the smiles. And even though it seems like you can never recover from your loss, it is these very memories that will help push the pain away and bring back the smiles. May the memories Judith provided you as a wife, mother, educator, and friend be forever ingrained throughout your lifetime.
Peter my heart goes out to you. I will never forget such a powerful lady.
June 5, 2014
June 5, 2014
Peter and Judith's love was one for the storybooks. We all admired the closeness, mutual support and happiness in their relationship despite the toll MS took on a feisty, beautiful woman.
David and I treasure the times we shared with you and the girls.
May you be comforted by Judih's memory and the love of your family and friends.
June 4, 2014
So sorry to hear of Judith's passing. My care and love to you in this time. You and Judith meant much to the University of Kansas and the Art Department, and the faculty there. May you find peace and love among friends. RIP sweet Judith.
June 4, 2014
Dear Peter,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time -- we know you have many wonderful memories of Judy. With special caring, Glee and Jerry Smith
June 4, 2014
We have lost a witty, generous, lovely friend. We'll miss her. Jerry and Martha Masinton
Philip Heying
June 4, 2014
Such a mighty will manifest in her. Thoughts of her will continue to inspire.
Chuck Groth
June 4, 2014
Peter -- so very sorry for your loss.
June 4, 2014
Peter
Our hearts are with you and your family forever
Gary and cima
Lea Orth
June 4, 2014
Peter and family, I am sorry to hear about the death of your beloved wife, mother, grandmother. May the kindness of family, friends & neighbors comfort you.
Casey Simmons
June 4, 2014
My warmest thoughts are with you all. I am sorry for your loss. May you find peace in good memories.
June 4, 2014
One of my favorite KU persons. I admired her for the way she dealt with her illness. She was a great support for my favorite KU dean.
Del Brinkman
Rick Mitchell
June 4, 2014
Peter, you and your family are in my thoughts. I send my deepest condolences.
Allan and Judy Fulkerson
June 4, 2014
To Peter, Sarah and Rachel,
Our very deepest sympathies to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
June 4, 2014
Sarah and family: the Claysons' are thinking of you during this time. Cherish the memories. xoxo
June 4, 2014
I've never witnessed greater devotion
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