Wilma A Thompson

Wilma Annetta Thompson, 93, of Warren and formerly a resident of Massachusetts passed away Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Shepherd of the Valley in Howland. Born July 16, 1917 in Malden, MA, she was the daughter of the late Lester R. "Captain" and Florence Wilson (Cory) Thompson. Wilma grew up and graduated from Wayland High School in Wayland, Massachusetts. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University Sargent College and a Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI. Her post graduate studies included the Boston University School of Education where she majored in guidance and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where she majored in health. Wilma worked for the Waltham, MA public schools as an elementary physical education teacher, was the director of the Avon Community Center in Cambridge, MA, the Columbia Preparatory School in Rochester, NY, the Newton public schools in Newton, MA and worked part-time at Boston University. Wilma retired in 1983 from Youngstown State University as a professor of physical education. She was an alumnus of Camp Onaway in Albany, NY. She was a member of the Spiritualist Church of Kent, OH. Wilma loved to travel often and especially loved to drive. She spent many happy times in Lily Dale, NY where she owned a summer home and enjoyed spending time and gathering with her spiritual family and numerous friends there. She loved the outdoors, specifically, camping, fishing and bird watching. She was a member of the Well Fleet, part of the Audubon Society of Massachusetts. She was also a talented water color painter. Wilma was a kind and giving soul. A true philanthropist at heart, she gave very generously to the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, Second Harvest Food Bank, The Sojourner House Domestic Violence Shelter in Youngstown, Catholic Charities, the Wild Life Association and Animal Welfare Leagues on an annual basis. She is survived by her cousins; Ken Howard, Amy Howard Rahmie and Cory Howard and many friends. Wilma was preceded in death by her parents and her dear and life-long friend Joan "Jo" Philipps. According to Wilma's wishes she has been cremated and will be buried in the Lakeview Cemetery in Wayland, MA. The Rev. Mary Ellen Rodrigues will officiate a memorial service Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Roberts-Clark Funeral Chapel. Material contributions may be made in Wilma's memory to the Animal Welfare League or to any of the charities listed above.