Obituary
Wilma Thompson
Longtime Los Gatan Wilma A. Thompson died on Aug. 19 at the age of 78.
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, on Feb. 3, 1921, she came to Los Gatos as a young girl and had lived here ever since, residing in various parts of the town, including the farm property on Pollard Road that she loved so much for its natural beauty and for all the animals she raised there.
During World War II, Thompson worked on an air base in the Chico area in the civilian supply department.
Professionally, she was a school bus driver and transportation director for the Saratoga Union School District and also served as a driver-education instructor for Los Gatos High School students.
"When she came into the room it was like an authority had arrived who was full of courage and fun. Her exuberance was a reflection of life itself," recalls friend Betty Peck, a retired Saratoga kindergarten teacher. "Not everyone could handle a busload of small children, but for Wilma it was no problem. She had a real sparkle."
Thompson frequently showed her animals at the Santa Clara County Fair and was a member of the Poultry Division Board. She had a never-ending hunger for history, was a member of the Los Gatos History Club and supported Los Gatos' museums.
She also loved digging through her family genealogy and that of anyone who sought her help. Recently, she had begun using the Internet to expand her genealogical research and as a venue for sharing news--and jokes--with her friends and family.
"We were always palling around and going places, or discussing this museum or that historian," recalls friend and local historian Bill Wulf, who met with Thompson almost every week for dinner at Bakers Square.
"She had a very youthful outlook on life and had a great sense of humor--especially off-color and naughty humor. And she never really let herself get old. She was an outgoing people-person who'd strike up conversations with strangers and want to know all about them," Wulf adds.
Thompson's brother, Robert, with whom she lived for many years, remembers his sister for her generosity: "For years, we've been very close.
When I lost my wife, she helped me raise my kids. She stood by me and I stood by her. She had a lot to offer everyone, and loved everyone in spite of all our hangups."
Survivors in addition to her brother, Robert C. Thompson of Los Gatos, include nephew Jess R. Thompson and wife Melinda of Capitola; niece Jennifer Thompson and fiancé Brian Mogg of Copperopolis; aunt Lorraine Mott of Cupertino; and numerous cousins in California, Iowa, Nebraska and Canada.
Memorial services have been held. Donations may be made to Odyssey Healthcare Hospice, 25 N. 14th St., Unit #610, San Jose, 95112
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
