Marion Elizabeth Thompson

Thompson, Dr. Marion ElizabethMADISON-Dr. Marion Elizabeth Thompson, 88, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2009 at Bluebird Acres in East Longmeadow, Mass. Dr. Thompson was born Marion Gunderson on June 4, 1921, in Madison. Marion graduated from Madison's East High School, where she played violin in the orchestra. A great lover of books and learning, Marion, along with her mother Pearl and sister Peg, belonged to the Gudrid Reading Circle, a literary organization dating from 1897 comprised of women of Scandinavian ancestry. In 1942, Marion married George Thompson, JD, who later became District Attorney, Attorney General of Wisconsin and professor of law at several law schools. Marion received her BA, MA and PhD from the University of Wisconsin in 1943, 1960, and 1971 respectively. She traveled extensively when conducting her research for her PhD in order to access original source materials not readily available. In the 1970s, she served as Assistant Professor of International/Global Broadcasting at William Patterson College of New Jersey, Visiting Professor at Boston University, and Associate Professor of Emerson College. Marion was an active member of many professional organizations throughout her life, including the International Institute of Communication, National Academy of TV Arts & Sciences, International Communication Association, National Association of Educational Broadcasters, American Association of University Professors, American Association of University Women, Phi Beta, American Scandinavian Foundation, and the American Film Institute. The Thompsons raised their family in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Massachusetts, and traveled the globe together, including a year living and working in Iceland. Marion continued to travel the world after the death of her husband George in 1982. Traveling throughout Europe, Asia and Africa, Marion sought to be a bridge to global peace and cross-cultural understanding, making life-long friends along with her voyages. Fulfilling her long-held dream of living in Florida, Marion had a new home built on Marco Island, where she pursued her passion for horticulture, raising orchids and citrus trees. She was active in the United Church of Marco Island, the Calusa Garden Club of Marco, and the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts, and served as President of the Marco Island chapter of AAUW from 1990 - 1992. . An avid philanthropist, she gave generously to many humanitarian, arts and environmental organizations, and provided support to the families leasing the Thompson farms in the western U.S. Marion is survived by sister, Peg Stiles; daughter, Diane Flautt; sons, George Thompson, and David Thompson; five grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Marion's funeral service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, Madison, on Friday, July 10, 2009 at 11a.m. with the Rev. Curt Everson presiding. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetary. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive., Madison, on Thursday, July 9, 2009 from 4 p.m. until 7p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be sent to the individual's organization of choice. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be sent to the individual's organization of choice. Cemetery: Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetary. Visitation: Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive., Madison, on Thursday, July 9, 2009 from 4 p.m. until 7p.m. Service: Marion's funeral service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, Madison, on Friday, July 10, 2009 at 11a.m. with the Rev. Curt Everson presiding.