Arlene Beatrice Thompson

Arlene peacefully surrendered her spirit to God on January 30, 2012 at University Hospital. Arlene was the second child born to Franklin and Ilda Thompson. She is survived by her brother Mervyn, with whom she had a close brother-sister relationship and nieces and nephews in Vancouver, London and Dorchester. Mourned by her long time friend, Rosemary Powers and all of Rosemary’s family whom over the years became extended family members to Arlene. She will be missed by new friends and old friends who have been extraordinary friends to Arlene and know how very special they are to her. She had friends in England, Wales, Australia, Scotland, United States and in many areas of Canada and always considered them her extended family.

Communication was always important to her, whether it was by entertaining, visiting, telephoning, emailing or writing letters. Keeping in touch was a priority! Arlene was always a good listener and was able to enrich the lives of many people because of her insightful interpersonal abilities. She will be deeply missed and remembered by all those who knew her and loved her.

Arlene was born in Simcoe, Ontario, received her primary education in her hometown of Delhi. In the 1950's she was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force and later trained in Winnipeg Manitoba as a Licensed Practical Nurse. During the early 1960's, she worked for the Health Care arm of the Federal Government and provided nursing care to the Inuit population living in and beyond the boundaries of Frobisher Bay (now known as Iqualuit). Later in the 1960's, she trained as a Registered Nurse in Kingston-Upon-Hull, East Yorkshire England. Following her return to London, Canada she worked initially at Victoria Hospital and then in 1972 at the newly opened University Hospital. Her clinical interests were largely dedicated to the care of patients with Cardiac Disease and also adult patients diagnosed with Acute Leukemia. In the 1980's, Arlene attended McMaster University and graduated with a Master of Health Sciences (M.H.Sc.). During graduate studies Arlene was able to focus on research related to Acute Leukemia.

During the latter part of her working life, she held various senior administrative positions in several hospitals, as well as, with the national health care accreditation organization. Following retirement, she worked mainly in the capacity of consultant for numerous government associated contracts and was also pleased to serve for three years as a member of the Review Tribunals for the Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals CPP/OAS.

Friends and family will be received at Needham Funeral Service (520 Dundas St.,London) on Wednesday from 7-9pm with a Celebration of Life on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.