April 24, 1932 – December 14, 2025
at the age of 93 years:     

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Mary Lou is survived by her daughters; Sharlene (Brian), Brenda (Steve), Gail (Steve) and sons Rod and Terry, 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her husband Steve (2016), grandson Jacob (2007) and her eight brothers and sisters.  She was the youngest of George and Bertha Thompson’s nine children.

George and Bertha immigrated to Canada in 1909 from Wisconsin with George’s sister May Inscho and  her husband John.  Mary Lou grew up on the family farm in St. Lina, Alberta surrounded by lots of family.  She had her own horse that she rode to school and many happy memories of ball games, picnics and dances in her brother Orval’s barn.

Mary Lou always wanted to travel, so she moved to Peace River, Alberta where her cousin had a restaurant.  It was to be her first stop on her way to BC to pick apples, but things happen.  Her parents moved there, she married, had her children and lived in Peace River until 1973 when she and Steve moved to Salmon Arm with Sharlene and Brenda, her two youngest children. Mary Lou had worked at the McLeod store in Peace River and this segued into working for the Co-op in Salmon Arm.  Starting as a cashier on Shuswap Street, then to the office and the new mall, she moved to the Advertising department where her artistic and organizational skills were displayed until her retirement in 1990.

Steve and Mary Lou lived in Sunnybrae until 2007 when they moved to town. In 2017, Mary Lou moved to Piccadilly Terrace where she lived very happily, among friends, until November 2025.

Steve and Mary Lou took trips across Canada and United States in their truck and camper.  They camped locally with friends, attended music festivals and dances. They loved to dance. Mary Lou kept busy with knitting, cross stitch and crochet. They were active members and volunteers of the Legion, and the Ladies Auxiliary. She organized the Parkinson’s Walk around McGuire Lake for a several years. Mary Lou travelled to Hawaii with her daughters, fulfilling a lifelong wish.  She had a memorable Louisiana Hay Ride cruise with some of her good friends.  Always an avid sports fan, she enjoyed curling, CFL football, anything with horses and of course, the Blue Jays.

Special thanks to Dr. Weiker for his care over the years,and the Home Care team who helped her daily.  Our thanks and gratitude to the doctors and staff of the 4th floor of Shuswap Hospital, and to the wonderful people at Bastion Place for your care of Mary Lou in her final days.  God bless you all.

No service by request.