ARABELLA (ARA) THOMPSON (GIBSON)

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ARABELLA (ARA) THOMPSON (nee GIBSON) Arabella (Ara) Thompson, aged 95, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2019. Ara will be remembered by her children, Bruce (Ginny), Alison (Byron Gislason) and Neill (Kim). She also leaves nine grandchildren, Stephan, Eric (Michelle), Christine and Diana (Ryan); Tracey (Norm), Rob (Nivez) and Aynslie (Mike); Evan and Jenna Thompson, and 13 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, James Thompson, and her sister, Ethel Gibson. Born on December 20, 1923, Ara was raised in Winnipeg's West End. During the Second World War, she met Jim, a R.A.F. flight instructor. Married in 1945, she moved to England as a war bride. They welcomed their first child, Bruce, in Burton-on-Trent, England and returned to Canada in 1947 to raise their family in Winnipeg. They settled in St. James and soon welcomed Alison and Neil to their family. Ara worked part-time at Children's Hospital as a switchboard operator and loved being part of the hospital community. She was an avid knitter, enjoyed aquasize classes and travelling out West with her husband and sister. After 60 years on Davidson Street, Ara moved into Sturgeon Creek 2, where she resided for the last 10 years. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 02, 2019