Beatrice Caroline Thompson

Beatrice Caroline ThompsonJan. 31, 1920 - July 24, 2014Resident of San JoseBea was born in Seattle, WA as one of two children in the Carlson family. Her parents, George and Olfa Carlson, both immigrated to the US from Sweden. She lived with her parents on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, WA for her entire childhood. She attended Gethsemane Lutheran Church and received her first confirmation in 1935. She attended Queen Anne High School graduating in 1937. She attended the University of Washington in 1937/38 where she met her husband, Donald Edward Thompson. They married in 1940 and had their first child, Gary, in 1944 followed by two daughters, Karen and Karol in 1955 and 1956. Don's employer, the US Postal Service, transferred the family from Seattle in 1956, first to Salinas, CA for 2 years, then to San Jose, CA where Bea spent the rest of her life. Her husband, Don, preceded her in death in 2001. Bea and Don were active long time members of Calvin Presbyterian Church in San Jose. Bea and Don spent many years traveling around the world after they retired. Bea loved crossword puzzles, jeopardy, gardening and exercise especially hiking and swimming. She was also an active volunteer at the Friends of the Library in Campbell for many years. Bea devoted her life to her family and children and she will be dearly missed by them all. Bea leaves behind her three children, Gary Thompson of San Jose, CA, Karen Strohm of Sun City West, AZ, and Karol Thompson of Silver Spring, MD. She is also survived by her two cherished granddaughters, Danielle and Nicole Thompson, and her brother, Clifford Carlson. A private family burial service is planned. Anyone wishing to join the family for a memorial celebration on Aug. 30 is invited to call (408) 238-1483 for more information.