Margaret Rose Thomson, 99, entered into rest on February 28, 2019. She was born in LaSalle, Illinois on September 6, 1919. She was the younger of two daughters of Louis Rose and Marie Burke Rose.
Margaret attended and graduated from St Patrick Grade School and LaSalle Peru High School. She continued her education at LaSalle Peru Oglesby Junior College where she graduated with an elementary teaching certificate and an AA degree in Accounting. Margaret taught elementary grade school for one year in Ladd, IL. She also worked for J.C. Penney part-time. In 1940 Margaret married John Thomson and moved to Ottawa, IL. Margaret resided in Ottawa until 1963. While living in Ottawa she was employed as a bookkeeper for Terry Trucking Service and later for Ottawa White Truck Sales and Service, which were both owned by Dale Terry. In 1963 she, her husband, and her family moved to Manteca, CA. In December of 1963 she accepted the position of Dispatcher at the Manteca Police Department, where she later became Record Supervisor. Margaret was the City of Manteca employee of the year in 1970. She retired from the Manteca Police Department in 1977. After retiring, she and her husband John, traveled and worked at two of our National Parks, McKinley National Park (now Denali) in Alaska for the summer of 1977 and at Kings Canyon National Park. Margaret also volunteered at Manteca City Library, and at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church where she was an active member. She was a member of the Young Ladies Institute #126. She enjoyed music, loved traveling, camping in the desert, taking long walks, reading, and attending activities of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Margaret is survived by her children, Jeanne (Joe) Lenac of East Peoria, IL., Dr. Mary Champagne of Durham, NC., Joani (Jim) Matthews of Modesto, CA. Heather (Steve) Tyllesen of Fresno, CA., Jack (Paula) Thomson of Manteca, CA., Bill (Jennie) Thomson of Escalon, CA., and Steve (Judy) Thomson PhD., of Del Mar, CA., Margaret also is survived by 18 grandchildren, Joseph Lenac, Anne Rena, Tamim Champagne, Margaret Champagne, Christopher Champagne, O'Connor Matthews, Joseph Tyllesen, Emily Tyllesen, Elizabeth Tyllesen, John Paul Thomson, Scott Thomson, Travis Thomson, Rose Marie Thomson, Burke Thomson, Samuel Thomson, Ian Thomson, Claire Thomson, and Hope Thomson. In addition to these grand- children Margaret is also survived by 13 great grandchildren and a very close friend, Sister Rose Casey of Durham, NC.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband John after 57 years of marriage, her grandson Michael Thomson of Manteca, and her sister Mary June Koeppe of Ottawa, IL. Margaret had a love for life and an even bigger love for her family. We will all miss Mom's kind, gentle spirit, and the Irish sparkle in her eyes when she smiled and laughed. Our family would like to express their deepest gratitude for Mom's caregivers. Their dedication, love, and compassion enabled Mother to remain in the warmth and comfort of her own home. For this we are eternally grateful.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Mike Thomson Memorial Scholarship Fund 1012 Athens Street, Manteca, CA. 95337 St Vincent de Paul Society 525 East North Street, Manteca, CA 95336
P.L. Fry & Son is honored to be serving the Thomson family. A Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2019 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Rosary will begin at
4:00 p.m. P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca CA. A mass of Christian Burial will follow on Monday, March 25, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 505 E. North Street, Manteca, CA. Burial following the Mass will be at St. John's Cemetery, 17871 S. Carrolton Rd., Escalon, CA. An online tribute is available for condolences to the family at www.plfryandson.com
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
