Dema Thompson, age 87, died Monday, March 23.
Dema Louise Trobridge was born on March 7, 1933, in Cadillac. She was the oldest of five children. She remembered having an outhouse and no running water.
Dema attended Cadillac High School, where she graduated in 1951. Her fellow classmates held reunions faithfully. She was active in the Y-Teen club and other organizations. After graduation, she left Cadillac and moved to Grand Rapids to work as a secretary. There she met Glenn Thompson Jr. on a blind date and married him in 1954.
Dema kept a large garden and canned many of the vegetables every year. She was a very meticulous housekeeper who could cook delicious meals. She loved crafting and did many things over the years – teaching her daughters her love of crafting. She crocheted countless afghans, knitted, and embroidered. Her love of flowers could be seen throughout her home, as well as in her crafts.
She is survived by her children and their families: Dr. Brian (Dawn) Thompson, Natalie, Jason; Sandy (Dave) Dzierzyc, Daniel, Emily, and four stepchildren; Brenda (Al) Luxford; Lynne (Steve) DeCaluwe, Alyssa; sister, Betty Gusha; brothers Duane Trobridge and Bill (Char) Trobridge; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Thompson; and her brother, Ed Trobridge.
Because of the current health crisis, a private family gathering will be held with interment at Croton Cemetery.
