Joanne R. Thompson

Joanne R. Thompson, 69, of Mishawaka, passed away Friday evening, December 9, 2016, in Kindred Hospital-Northern Indiana, Mishawaka.

Joanne was born April 25, 1947 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of the late Charles and Wilma (Holsten) Raiford. She grew up in Louisiana and Mississippi and was a graduate of West Monroe High School in Louisiana. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Art from Northeast Louisiana State University.

Joanne married John Michael “Mike” Thompson on December 18, 1970. They moved to Mishawaka in 2001.

Joanne’s employment included illustration art work for newspaper advertising along with graphic design work. She was particularly gifted in the art of painting. Joanne was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mishawaka where she was active in the altar guild, choir and Journey in Faith. She was also a member of Daughters of the King. Joanne had a great passion for cooking and particularly in creole style. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles in ink.

Joanne’s surviving family includes her husband of nearly 46 years, Mike; three sons, John Michael (Kate) Thompson, Jr. of Dubuque, Iowa, A. Crispin Thompson of Houston, Texas and Jeffrey Robert (Kiah) Thompson of Franklin, Indiana; four grandchildren, Hayden, Logan, Luke and Sam; and her brother, Charles (Debbie) Raiford of West Monroe, Louisiana.

A Service of Requiem Eucharist will be held at 11 am on Monday, December 19, in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 616 Lincolnway East, Mishawaka, with Mother Susan B. Haynes officiating.

Joanne’s family will receive friends from 10 – 11 am Monday in the church.

Memorials are suggested to RiverBend Cancer Services, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46615.

Arrangements are under the care of Goethals & Wells Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Mishawaka.