Margret Thompson Wilson

Margret Hansen was born in Frazee, Minnesota on November 26th, 1917. Raised by parents John A. and Viola O. (Sawtelle) Hansen, Margret grew up in Portland, Oregon and graduated from Beaverton High School. She attended beauty school in downtown Portland and worked for many years as a beautician. She married Theron Elmer Thompson on October 12th, 1942 in Portland. They had two children: son, Wayne; and daughter, Betty. Theron passed away in 1979. Margret married Blake H. Wilson on August 1st, 1981. Blake passed away in 2007.

In addition to being a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Margret did many things in her energetic, active life. During WWII, Margret worked as a nurse’s aide at OHSU hospital and fondly recounted that period of service. She earned the honorable title of O.E.S. Worthy Matron, was band leader at the Stuhr Center and her band won the Oregon State Championships. Margret was also Woman of the Year of Portland Women’s Forum. She was a Toastmistress’s president, a lifetime member of Hillsdale Community Church and a Sunday school teacher. Margret was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. She worked as a waterfront patrol person during the Portland Rose Festival and during Christmas time when the Navy ships came to port. Margret retired as a hairdresser at the age of 70, she was still tap dancing into her 80’s. She knitted thousands of wool caps throughout her life and did her small part “keeping heads warm”. She provided a simple comfort for so many around the world and countless caps were donated to NW Medical Teams. Margret knitted right up to the end of her life.

Margret is predeceased by her parents John and Viola Hansen; husband, Theron Elmer Thompson; brothers, George Youmans, Bernard Woods, Merl Youmans; and sisters, Grace Ewing, Bernice Marsh, and O Youmans.

Survivors include her son, Wayne D. Thompson; daughter, Betty C. Comella; grandchildren, Mike Geigle (wife Marcie), and Cara Wiggins (husband Terry); and grandchildren, Samantha Adams, Kurtis Wiggins, and Devin Wiggins; and the beloved family pet companion, Fritz, the German Shepherd.

A celebration of Margret’s life will take place at Hillsdale Community Church, 6948 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR, on Saturday, November 2nd, at 12:30pm.

Remembrances may be made to Oregon Eastern Star Cancer Research Program and to Hillsdale Community Church.

Please visit Margret’s internet memorial and online guestbook at www.skylinememorialgardens.com