Obituary of Stephanie A. Thompson

Stephanie Ann Thompson, 95, of Whitewater went to her heavenly home with her beloved Lord and His Blessed Mother, on Friday, March 13, 2009 at 10:30PM, with her daughters at her side holding her hand. Stephanie was born March 1, 1914, in Chicago, the third child of Stanley and Anna Michalczewski. She was so proud of her Polish heritage. She married William E. Thompson on June 27, 1937 at St Fidelis Catholic Church, Chicago. After 62 years of marriage, he passed away on March 13, 1989-20 years to the day of her passing. Stephanie was a longtime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Palmyra, and an active member of its CCW.� Her faith was evident to all and she attended daily mass as long as she could drive. She moved from Chicago to Wisconsin in 1953 and their farm became the "love of her life." She would rather be in her garden, tending the animals or doing field work than anything else. She felt the prettiest thing was a freshly cultivated field of corn. Stephanie also loved to bake coffee cakes and cookies-perhaps because she had managed a bakery in Chicago for many years. She was known for the coffee cakes, and trays of cookies-especially chocolate chip-which she distributed to the religious each Christmas. She enjoyed sewing with borgana-she made everything from caps to spreads for the grandchildren. Each new baby got a "Borgana" blanket and pillow designed by "Grandma." Her grandchildren won't part with their blanket to this day. Stephanie loved playing cards. It was her favorite Sunday activity when her grandchildren-or anyone else came by. And the card playing was always followed by a full meal. She was also an active member of the Hi-Lo Homemakers for many years and enjoyed entertaining them during the holidays. Above all-Stephanie loved her family the most. She enjoyed having them all come to "the farm." Christmas Eve was a traditional event at the farm with a traditional meatless meal. and, the Chicago families enjoyed Easter at the farm each year. She is survived by two daughters, Stephanie A. (Norman A.) Godfrey, Fort Atkinson and Christine M. (Roger) Pitterle, Beloit; seven grandchildren, Kathleen Cordio, James, Stephen and Phillip Godfrey, Susan (Gabriel) Hall, and Matthew and Nicholas Pitterle; nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a great-grandson, Joshua Cordio, two sisters, and one brother. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30AM on Wed., March 18, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Palmyra, with Rev. Jay Poster and Deacon Greg Gehred officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday, Mar. 17, at the Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater from 4-7:30PM and again on Wednesday at the church from 10:00-11:30AM. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorials may be made to the family. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Father Jay Poster, Deacon Greg Gehred, Dr. Alan Detwiler, and the staff at FAHS and its Sub Acute for their compassion and loving care.