As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Joan F Thompson age 83 passed away on August 16, 2025 after a brief battle with cancer at Dimensions Senior Living, Green Bay WI with her loving family by her side.
Joan was born on September 6, 1941, in Monessen PA to the late Theresa (Capozza) and Emilio Mauro. She lived in PA until 1954 when her mother, stepfather, brother, and sister all moved to Los Angeles CA. She graduated from Washington HS in 1959 and went to work for Pacific Bell Telephone Company. She met the love of her life Bob while he was serving in the Navy. She often remarked that his uniform was what drew her to him! They were married August 6,1960. He preceded her in death March 12, 2024. In 1969 they moved back to Bob’s hometown of Sidnaw where they planted deep roots in the community.
Joan went on to purchase the Thompson House when her mother-in-law retired, she ran the home for several years before selling it to be able to spend more time with her family. She later worked for railroad services for a season before going to work at Sidnaw School as the lunch lady. Many kids remember her delicious and nutritious lunches. When Sidnaw School closed, Joan then applied for and got a job as the Superintendent of school’s secretary, going to work in L’Anse where she worked for many years.
Joan had a lifelong love of music given to her by her maternal family. She went back for piano lessons in the 1980’s and became the church organist at the Sidnaw United Methodist Church where she played organ until 2024, she also was a member of the church board and sang in the Christmas Cantata’s for many years. Joan also was a backup organist for the Bethany Lutheran Church in Covington for many years. Joan was never idle. She served on the Houghton County Mental Health Board for many years, she was the County Clerk of Duncan Township, she worked elections for many years as well as being a part of the Historical Society. She was also a quilter and belonged to the Quilt Guild.
Joan and Bob traveled extensively! Going to see friends and family from coast to coast and a trip to Germany, Switzerland and Austria and two trips to Italy where she was able to reconnect with family in Italy. She was always up for an adventure.
Joan is survived by her children Lori (Greg) Jenss of Green Bay, Sheri Thompson of Chassell, and Kris (Jen) Thompson of OH, her Grandsons Steve (Kendra) Turpeinen, Austin Jenss, and Dominic (Kara) Thompson. She has 3 Great Grandchildren – Bennett, Aiyana and Kaia and step-grandchildren Crystal, Becky and Steven Jenss, Mason and Parker Sprenkle, and Kayden Varline. She is also survived by her sister Terry (Gary) Bishop, and her Aunt Dottie as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins across the US. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Joseph Mauro and Ronald Congie and a sister Virginia Mauro.
Joan will be deeply missed by all that knew her. Her love and dedication to her family and friends is legendary. She was always ready to help wherever and whenever needed. Her delicious food to fill your belly, a place to lay your head for as long as you needed, a listening ear to tell your troubles to or help with whatever you needed you could count on her to be there for you.
Services will be held at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel in L’Anse, MI on August 26, 2025 at 11 AM, with Pastor Steve Rhoades officiating. The family will greet visitors at the funeral home at 10 AM. The family invites you to a luncheon immediately following the funeral service in the Harrington Gathering Room, located at the funeral home.
The family would love to honor Joan’s memory by displaying her many quilts, if you received one of her quilts and would like to display it, please bring it to the service.
Internment will take place at the Sidnaw Cemetery.
Joan’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse MI has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
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