Obituary for
Joanne Thompson (Bender)
Martha Joan (Joanne) Bender Thompson passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 8th, 2016 at Juniper Village in State College.
Joanne was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and a great friend to many past and present residents of central Pennsylvania. She was born February 22, 1930 in Centre Hall, Pa. to the late Fred G. and Elizabeth (Diehl) Bender. Joanne is survived by the love of her life and husband of over 64 years, Fred C. Thompson of State College.
She contracted polio at age 3, and became a Centre County poster girl for polio in 1936. Joanne lived most of her life in State College and was very active in the community. She graduated from State College Area High School in 1948, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics at Penn State University in 1952. Upon graduation, she worked for a short time as a teacher’s aide. She was member of the State College Presbyterian Church since 1936 and served as a Sunday School teacher, Christmas Choir member and a Visitation Deacon. Joanne served as a volunteer at the former Bellefonte hospital and Centre Community Hospital (now the Mount Nittany Medical Center) for over 40 years. She was a volunteer with the League of Women Voters. She was a member of the State College Sweet Adelines Chorus for many years. Joanne and Fred were active in the Centre Squares square dancing and Town and Gown ballroom dancing groups. Joanne enjoyed playing the piano, singing, drawing, and painting, but most of all, she enjoyed being with her extended family.
In addition to her husband, Joanne is survived by her brother Paul D. (Anne) Bender of State College and three children, Richard (Julie) Thompson, Scott (Terri) Thompson, and Carol (David) Pepper, and eight grandchildren. Joanne was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Marjorie (survived by husband Alton Hardee), sisters Catherine Lindzey and Lillian Owen, and brother Laurence Bender.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Monday, December 12, at 10am, a funeral service will be at 11am, and a luncheon following the funeral service, all at the State College Presbyterian Church, 132 W. Beaver Ave. State College 16801. This will be followed by a private burial at Centre County Memorial Park.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Juniper Village, and Home Instead Caregiver Ellen Plante, for their compassionate care.
Memorial contributions may be made to the State College Presbyterian Church.
A guest book can be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.
