Maren Shirley Thompson

Maren S. Thompson, (nee: Christensen) passed away peacefully at North Shore Hospice with her family on Sept. 2, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband William who was her best friend and loving partner for 66 years. Maren is survived by four children and their spouses. She was blessed with 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Maren was born on November 8, 1934 in Edmonton, and was joined by sister Sonja a few years later. The family moved to Vancouver in 1941, settling in the Point Grey district where Maren attended Lord Byng High School. She graduated in 1954 and trained at St. Paul's Hospital to become a registered Nurse in 1957.

Her marriage to William was also in 1957 and she worked as an RN at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula, Montana while William studied for a second degree. However, the imminent arrival of their first child, brought them back to Canada. Eventually, with four children, the family settled in West Vancouver. Here the children grew, graduated and married. All established their own homes and raised families in the Lower mainland. The children, Kristin (Peter Kelly), David (Brenda) Thompson, Michael (Lynne) Thompson and Kari (Glen Garratt), were-and are-deeply loved and respected.

Long before she became a nurse Maren's nature was that of a care-giver. As a child she fashioned doll clothes and as a central figure of the family she became a skilled seamstress and a wonderful cook and hostess. Her frequent birthday/anniversary dinners became ever more frequent as families grew or guests from away visited.

But always her primary interests were her children- and then her grandchildren. She took great pride in their accomplishments and cried with them in their disappointments. Through middle age she watched and helped as the families of her young ones matured. As the grandchildren arrived the specific duties of Maren's life changed, but never the role of care-giver. And that is why William, with love and respect, always referred to her as " my better half".

A Celebration of life will be held at St Christopher's Anglican Church, 1068 Inglewood Ave. West Vancouver on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 2:00 pm with a reception to follow. If you wish to express your condolences or send messages, please visit www.firstmemorialnorthvancovuer.com