Obituary of Lois Lavonne Thompson

After a life well-lived, Lavonne Thompson, 95, passed away in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, Nova Scotia on October 7, 2025. Lavonne was a wonderful person, loyal wife and loving mother, faithful friend, beloved aunt and cherished grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Lavonne was born on February 28th, 1930 in Sundridge, Pictou County, to Forbes Stanley Adamson and Bessie Anna (MacKenzie) Adamson. The family moved to Plymouth where she and her sisters helped their parents to manage the dairy farm. In their younger years, Lavonne, Corinne, and Evelyn sang together as the Adamson Trio and performed at music festivals, on the radio, and at concerts throughout the province. After graduating from Stellarton High School and N.S. Normal College, she taught in Pictou County for five years before accepting a teaching position in Montreal. 

Lavonne married Alexander Thompson in 1954 and they lived on Long Island, New York, for a period of time but the plan was always to return to Nova Scotia. So, in 1966, Alex and Lavonne made their move to Antigonish.

Always an active community member, Lavonne served on the board of St. Ninian’s Parish Council and the Liturgical Committee. Singing was her passion and she sought out a choir in every place she lived. So, it is no surprise that Lavonne sang alto in St. Ninian’s choir for 50 years, co-directed the parish children's choir, and ensured that music was a part of our family life. An avid supporter of the arts, Lavonne was on the Board of Theater Antigonish and participated in many of their productions, including a staggering performance in the Pirates of Penzance. She was a singer, choir director, and volunteer at the New Glasgow Music Festival where she was recognized for her 30 years of service on the Board. 

After Alex’s passing, Mom returned to work full time and managed the Heatherton Activity Center. She then taught at Dr.John Hugh Gillis Regional High School and subsequently became a teaching principal at Lower South River School. Simultaneously, Lavonne earned a Bachelor’s degree from St. F. X., fulfilling a life long academic goal. She taught at St. Andrews Consolidated School until her retirement in 1995.

Everyone was welcome at Lavonne’s house, a place of laughter, spirited debates, and lively discussions. She was a true intellect and was well-read on a wide range of topics. We often marvelled at the breadth of her knowledge. In fact, her grandchildren were often overheard saying “ask Grandma, she’ll know”. Lavonne spent her later years visiting family and travelling to the U.S., the U.K., and Europe.

She is survived by her children, Cynthia (Fred), Ellen, Sandy (Tanya), Hugh (Raylene), Bruce (Bill), Janice (Brian) and sister-in-law Ruth McLain; her grandchildren Alexander (Ashley), Elizabeth (Karan), Emily (Sheikh), Djef, Matthew, Kyle (Leslie) and Travis. Great-Grandchildren Alexander and Freya Thompson, Eurydice Thukral, Rachel, Josie and Alice Warren and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Lavonne was predeceased by her husband Alexander MacDonald Thompson, her son Leonard, her daughter Nadine, her granddaughter Morgan, her sisters Corinne Yuill and Evelyn Johnstone and brothers-in-law Dr. George Yuill and Dr. Ian Johnstone.

We would like to extend a special thank you to those who supported Mom over the years: Paul MacDonald and his children Caroline and Neal, Veronica Novak, Mary MacInnis, Dr. Chiasson, Dr. Ron MacCormick, Dr. Faour, and the stellar and compassionate medical teams of St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Oncology and Palliative Care Units.

Visitation will take place from 1-4 PM on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, October 16, 2025 in St. Ninian Cathedral, with Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding. Burial will follow in St Ninian’s Parish Cemetery. Donations in Lavonne’s memory may be directed to the Palliative Care Unit c/o St. Martha's Regional Hospital Foundation.