Dolores Joyce Thomson

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Dolores Joyce “Dee” Thomson nee Zinsli, age 81, who left this world peacefully with family at her side in her home in Blaine, Washington on February 28th, 2021. Born in Bismarck, North Dakota on July 20, 1939 and a 1957 graduate of Beach High School in North Dakota, she is survived by her husband of 63 years, Harold A. “Tom” Thomson, a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force. They met and fell in love in mid-1957 in Spokane, Washington, where Tom was stationed at Geiger Field. She was the much-loved mother of her son Thomas and his wife Stacy; her deceased son Michael; her son Bryan and his wife Jean and her daughter Allysa and husband Bob. She was the grandmother of Philip, Allegra and Ashley and great-grandmother of Roderick and Javon. She was the dear sister of Billy and his wife Shirley, Florence and her husband Paul, Raymond and his wife Christine; and the late Harry Zinsli and his wife Jerri, the late Donna Mae Carlson nee Zinsli and her husband Don and the late Bernard Zinsli. Auntie Dee is also remembered fondly by her many nieces and nephews. Dee lived a full life as devoted wife, mother, homemaker and worker in the communications and eldercare fields. A country girl at heart, gardening was a lifelong passion, and she was a highly accomplished cook; she freely shared her tricks of the trade and the bounty of those activities with family, friends and neighbors wherever she was. Most of all, she poured her heart and soul into loving her children, instilling strong values that have served them all well. She gave her three sons some “Tough Love” – just ask any one of them who tried to outrun her but never could. She and Tom gave the gift of camping to their four children in their early years, and she could masterfully organize and pack a camping trailer like no other. She undoubtedly acquired her abilities through several changes of station over Tom’s military career. Camping was a favorite pastime for the Thomson Clan, bringing them close together and providing countless stories and warm memories. Between 1977 and 1995, Dee faithfully partnered with Tom in the family business – Opportunity Appliance Repair. She dependably served as the lone dispatcher and had a well-earned reputation for always being pleasant and professional, garnering many positive comments from customers. Dee’s organizing and packing skills were put to good use as she and her husband Tom traversed the United States for over 16 years as full-time RVers, where they met people from all walks of life and made a few lifelong friendships before they settled down in Blaine, Washington in 2010. Dolores shared souls with several loyal canine companions over the years, including Pickles, Slippers, Goldie, Annabelle, Lady, Lacey and most recently Poco. You could commonly see Dee wearing her ever-present khaki ball cap and anything with “bling”. She loved whirligigs and a curated a vast collection of sparkling and whimsical decorations and adorable pigs. The family wishes to sincerely thank all of those who cared for her during her last days, particularly the compassionate team from Whatcom Hospice. A Celebration Of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2021 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Glen Echo Gardens (glenechogarden.com), 4390 Y Road, Bellingham, WA. 98226. The venue is located off the Mt. Baker Highway.

Dolores Joyce Thomson

July 20, 1939 - February 28, 2021