Leslie Jeanne Thompson

Born in Cleveland Heights, OH on March 7, 1935 she was the daughter of Ruth and Dr. Lester Towle. Leslie attended Fairfax Elementary School and graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1953. Following high school, Leslie attended Wooster College and received a B.A. Degree in biology in 1957. Being a drum majorette with the Wooster Highland Lassies was among her favorite memories.

After college Leslie worked at University Hospitals in the oncology department. During this time she met her future husband, Harold (Hal) Thompson and they were married in 1959 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights, OH. Hal passed away in August of 1999.

Leslie is survived by her son and his wife, Dr. J. Scott Thompson and Dr. Susan Grimes and grandchildren Jeffery Thompson, Caleigh Thompson of Burlington, VT, and Ben Grimes of California, daughter Laurel Jeanne Thompson of Washington, D.C. and brother, Dr. Jack Towle of Miami, FL. She will be greatly missed by her extended family, Linda Miller of Camp Hill, PA, Holly and Clayton Wynn of Halifax, PA and Lilian Gomes of Brazil.

After raising her children, Leslie had a number of interesting jobs, the favorite being a Supervisor with Cultural Home Stays International where she placed foreign exchange students in local high schools for their senior year. Leslie loved interacting with people of all ages but especially with the high school exchange students with whom she bonded closely, developing ever lasting friendships. Later in life Leslie revisited two of her favorite hobbies, writing and painting. Leslie was a member of the Paper Clips writer’s club and especially enjoyed writing poetry, many of which have been published.

Wonderful childhood summers were spent at the Towle summer cottage on Kelleys Island, OH. The Thompsons were avid skiers enjoying their spare time at their ski house at Hidden Valley, PA.

A memorial service is planned for Mechanicsburg at a later date. Burial will be at Kelleys Island Cemetery in accordance with Leslie’s wishes.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of Leslie’s friends who have been so kind to her during these last years and to the caregivers at Bethany Village for their compassionate care these past months.

Memorial donations may be made to: Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund, Wooster College Fund, Office of Advancement, 1189 Beall Ave, Wooster, Ohio 44691, ( or, woosteralumni.org/give/personal and indicate “Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund”) or the charity of your choice.