JOEY (IRENE THOMPSON) JANUARY 25, 1923-FEBRUARY 19, 2015
“And you should always know, wherever you may go, no matter where you are, I will never be far away”
Much loved mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Joey (Irene) Thompson passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at Blackadar Continuing Care Centre in Dundas, Ontario, where she had resided for the past one and one half years. Joey left us to join her beloved husband Arthur William (Bill) Thompson, who predeceased her in 1998; her daughter, Penny Mercier (2008) and her grandson, Michael (Mike) Thompson (2013).
Joey (Irene) Thompson was born Axana Irene Anaka January 25, 1923 in Saskatchewan; to Wasyl Anaka and Wasylyna Skibinski, the middle child in a family of 4 sisters and 2 brothers. She adored her family and often spoke of a happy childhood filled with many wonderful memories growing up in the Canadian prairies. On December 6, 1941 she married the love of her life, Bill Thompson. Joey met Bill at a wartime dance in Yorkton, Saskatchewan when he was in the Air Force. Bill often told us that he saw her across the room, the best dancer and prettiest girl there, he said, and they danced all night together. While they were stationed at air force bases in British Columbia. Their union was blessed with the birth of two children – Penny and Bill Jr., Bill and Joey’s life-long romance and love of their family – daughter Penny, son Bill, grandchildren: Eric, Mike, Jennifer, Tamara, Peter and Tyler and great grandchildren, Harley and Penny’s grandchildren in Seattle, was an inspiration to all who knew them.
Their comfortable home, on the farm in Oro, was often frequented by family and friends. Many great memories were made there, it was a peaceful, happy and welcoming place.
Joey worked for many years with Dave McKee, Owner and Operator of The Hitch House, and Dave quickly became a dear and lasting friend whom Joey thought of as a second son. Dave frequently visited Joey at Blackadar Continuing Home Health Care which she always looked forward to. She loved to joke with Dave.
Joey and Bill met Gloria and her sons many years ago, introduced her to Bill Evans and the rest was history. The Evans family became dear and lasting friends, and Gloria was thought of as a daughter. Gloria and Bill would always bring a smile to Joey’s face (she loved their company, gifts, pictures and messages from the boys) when they visited her at Blackadar.
Joey was happiest surrounded by her loving family and close friends. She enjoyed weekly visits with her son, Bill and his wife Carmella who ensured his Mom always had a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers each week, ice cream, and the occasional Pina Colada or glass of wine. They spend many happy moments together in the gardens at Blackadar and were known to occasionally escape into the City for a bit of retail respite.
She shared her love of gardening, art and music with family and friends and many of our gardens are a tribute to Joey’s thoughtful gardening gifts and expertise. Joey’s strength of character, ready smile and jokes brought joy and laughter to people around her. She was thoughtful and generous, loving and kind. Joey will be dearly missed by her family and the friends she has left behind. We love you and miss you very much, Mom, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and cherished Friend.
Joey’s family invite you to join us for a celebration of her life on Saturday, April 4th 2015 at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley Street, Barrie, after 10:00 am, followed by a service in the Chapel at 11:00 am.
Memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Barrie Food Bank would be appreciated by the family. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.steckleygooderham.com