Christine Joan Thompson
January 24, 1955 - October 23, 2020
Obituary
MADISON - Christine J. Thompson, age 65, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on Jan. 24, 1955, in Madison, the daughter of Lee Thompson and Marjorie Berge. Christine graduated from the UW-Madison and the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.
Christine had a major impact on so many people in her life, both on family and friends and on people she never met. She was a part of the TRACE Center at UW-Madison that developed augmentative communication and computer access for individuals with disabilities, improving the lives of millions around the world. She was the owner and operator of Weaving Workshop where she taught classes in many textile arts. After a life-changing health experience, she decided to devote herself to the community and received her Master of Divinity at Lutheran School of Theology. Christine knew that there is no “Toilet Paper Fairy” who refills the cupboard of the essential things that food stamps don’t pay for and founded the Personal Essentials Pantry (PEP) - which grew into the PEPartnership - that has served over 13,000 households in Wisconsin and New York. During this time, she dedicated her life to helping those in need. Christine enjoyed listening to and playing many musical instruments.
Christine is survived by her sisters, Kate Thompson, Elisabeth (Bernard) Albert and Thea (Jim) Frank; and brother, John (DuAnn) Thompson. She is also survived by her nieces, Anna, Jenny, Laura and Marni; and her nephew, Harry. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of life will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison, at 10 a.m. on July 17, 2021. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. In honor of Christine’s wishes please wear bright colors to celebrate her life, instead of somber colors to mourn her passing. Memorials may be made to PEPartnership, Inc., 2401 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704, Lake Edge Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice, or your local school. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Sat Jul 17, 2021 @ 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT
Lake Edge Lutheran Church • 4032 Monona Dr, Madison, WI 53716
Memorial Service
Sat Jul 17, 2021 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Lake Edge Lutheran Church • 4032 Monona Dr, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
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Jon Gunderson
Other •
She was a friend to everyone she met. She had a big heart and made this world a nicer place to live. Jon Gunderson
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Lois Roth
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I am sad to learn of Christine's death! She was an exceptional person. God's peace be with each of you. Lois Roth Atwood Pantry Coordinator and friend.
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Patrick Bass
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I'm so sorry to hear of Christine's passing. I worked with her years ago when I started my weaving journey and she was a kind, patient, and encouraging teacher and friend. My condolences to all of her family and friends.
/B
/s/ John W. Berge
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It is an honor to memorialize my first niece with such a lasting memorial.
JC
Joan Chase
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Christine will be missed by many. Her devotion to serving others less fortunate in our community was a gift to all who were blessed by her efforts. My condolences, Joan Chase
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Bonnie Margulis
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I first met Christine at the first annual meeting of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice. It was a breakfast meeting at Lake Edge Lutheran. Christine came up to me and asked 'how do I join the board', and I said, "you just did". That was nine years ago. I am so blessed to have have had those nine years of friendship with Christine. She served as secretary of our board for several years, created our first website, shared office space with me when PEP moved to Plymouth UCC, and we worked together to create WFVJ's Poverty Simulation. Over the years, Christine has regaled me with stories of doing puppetry with Marge (her mom), of her time in seminary, of growing up in Madison. Over the last year, as she dealt so bravely and so matter-of-factly with her terminal diagnosis, I would visit her and she always had a book for me, showed me her latest craft project, and always was determined to use whatever time she had left to do something productive. She was a great friend, a great force for justice in our community, and she will be sorely missed! Rabbi Bonnie Margulis Executive Director Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice