Obituary: Thompson, Janet
Age 65
Her loving family was close by her side as our Lord wrapped his arms around her and walked peacefully home.
Janet was born in Leavenworth, Washington on September 30, 1948, to William and Hilda Zimmerman.
After attending grade school in Leavenworth, the family moved to Moses Lake, WA, where she completed her formal schooling and then attended Big Bend Community College.
Shortly after college, she married and moved to Spokane and, although the marriage did not last, she was blessed with the birth of her son Travis in 1976.
He was her pride and joy for the rest of her life.
After getting settled in Spokane, she started working at American Sign and Indicator and, after several years there, began working for Itron, a small start-up company in Post Falls, whose headquarters is now in Liberty Lake.
Itron was very accommodating to Janet as her physical challenges grew, until 2005, when her disability prevented her from further working.
She often commented on all the wonderful friends and family-like atmosphere she enjoyed at both companies, and held the friendships she made there very dear to her heart.
During the winter of 1992, Janet met the love of her life and special angel, Bryan Thompson, who fell head over heels in love with her, knowing she was a magnificent angel herself.
They never left each other’s side, were married in 1999 and have lived in the Spokane Valley ever since.
Janet is survived by her husband Bryan; father, William Zimmerman, of Tri-Cities; mother, Hilda Park, of Moses Lake; sister, Paula Ochoa, of Tri-Cities; her son, Travis (Denise) Franz and grandsons, Kallahan and Donovan, of Denver, CO; niece, Lindsey Toya and family of Moses Lake; sister-in-law, Kay Yoke and family, of Spokane; brother-in-law, William Thompson and family, of Deer Park; brother-in-law, Richard Thompson and family, of Chelan; and many long-time dear friends in the Spokane and Moses Lake area.
Janet loved shopping (especially newly discovered online abilities).
Her fondness for antiques and vintage items was her favorite.
Her multitude of indoor plants and orchids were a horticulturalist’s delight and brought many hours of happiness to Janet.
She was proud to be able to share them with friends.
Her loving smile and good sense of humor will be sadly missed.
Extra heartfelt thanks go to her “Care Team” providers for letting the world share for a much longer period of time, her smile, her grace and her composure while working through the challenges of M.S.
She seemed to amaze all who she came into contact with.
Thank you so much, Dr. Jeffrey Clode; Dr. Samuel Joseph; Dr. Yashma Patel; Nurse, Cindy and her two caregivers, Robyn and Jeanne.
There will be a celebration of Janet’s life Sunday, September 14th at 1:30 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 S. Schafer Road, Spokane Valley, WA.