Madeline S. Thompson

She was born May 20, 1916 in Warsaw, IL., the daughter of John Gerhardt Robert and Caroline Bisgen Stuckwisch.

She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and received her degree in Home Economics. It was while attending the University that she met and married her husband of sixty-four years, John M. Thompson. He preceded her in death, in June 2005.

She was a school teacher in several communities in Central Illinois and eventually retired after a long career with Springfield District 186.

She was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She served the church as a member of several committees, was one of the early financial secretaries, and with her husband, John, helped organize the Chancel Choir. She was elected an Elder of the church and served on the Session. She was active in the Presbyterian Women’s Association and had the opportunity to attend some of their national conventions, representing Westminster. She was an active participant in the Women’s Circles at the church. She was a frequent member of the adult Sunday School classes. At the 150th Anniversary of the founding of Westminster, she wrote an addendum update to the church history publication.

Education was always very important to Madeline. After many years as a homemaker, she resumed her teaching career and also returned to Sangamon State University and earned a Master’s Degree in English.

Her dedication to education included a nearly fifty year membership in the DC Chapter of PEO.

She was a member of the King’s Daughters Circle, was a volunteer for many years at Memorial Medical Center, and was a founding member of the Home Economists of Sangamon County (HESCO).

She was an ardent supporter of the Liturgical Vespers music program and a long-time supporter of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

She is survived by a son, John C. Thompson of Springfield and a daughter, Jan (husband, Tom) Winter of St. Louis, six grandchildren; Patricia K. “Annie” Thompson, Caroline K. “Carrie” Thompson, John Andrew Thompson, and Cecilia M. “Peanut” Thompson, all of Springfield, and Jason Thomas Winter and Jessica Caroline Winter of St. Louis.

Visitation for Madeline S. Thompson will be Thursday, December 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel.

Funeral Services will be Friday, December 14 at 11 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dr. Lonnie Lee officiating. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery.