Alissa Darline Thompson

Alissa Darline Thompson peacefully passed away on January 13th, 2014 at the age of 85.

She was born in Lincoln Nebraska on February 5th, 1928 to James and Alissa Fox. Darline graduated from Upton High School in 1945 and then attended the University of Nebraska to study journalism. She married Jack Gordon Thompson on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1947. They moved to Laramie, Wyoming for college before relocating to Bremerton, Washington in the early 1950’s, where her husband Jack started his career as a civil engineer in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. During the 1950s, Darline and Jack started their family by adopting two wonderful sons, Doug and Paul, and moved their family to Port Orchard, where they became long-time residents.

However, in 1966, she encouraged her husband to accept a position at Subic Bay Naval Shipyard, in the Philippine Islands. The family spent four years in the Philippines, where Darline became a very active member of the naval community. She hosted numerous dinners and events for visiting dignitaries and naval officers during this period of our country’s involvement in the Vietnam War. While Jack was busy supervising the repair of battle-damaged naval ships brought in from Vietnam, Darline was busy assisting doctors and nurses in their efforts to treat wounded Marines in the base hospital as a Red Cross Volunteer. Her compassion and attention to the value of repairing human lives was only exceeded by her devotion to her sons’ upbringing in a foreign land.

Darline was afforded the opportunity to travel all over Southeast Asia during those years in the Philippines, where she enriched her sons' education and life experience beyond imagination. She was determined that her family witness first-hand the history, culture, and geography of the Philippine Islands. She arranged frequent adventures to many WWII historical sites, and to diverse Philippine communities where the family could experience the local culture, food, and recreation.

When Darline and her family returned from the Philippines in 1970, they settled again into their Port Orchard home. Darline spent the next four years doing what she did best: being a loving wife and mother. This was a challenging time for her. With one son in high school and the other in junior high, she devoted her time to continuing their upbringing, while at the same time compassionately caring for her devoted husband Jack throughout a four-year illness.

When he passed away in November of 1973, Darline showed her true colors. Suddenly transformed by life’s events, Darline became a person that everyone could depend on, not only for her two sons, but for her friends, who sought her advice and encouragement through their own private struggles. She was steadfast in restructuring her life, and she actively continued her involvement in the local Kitsap County community while guiding her two sons' transition into adulthood.

In 1987, Darline retired to Anderson Island. Moving into the waterfront home that she and Jack had started together, she lovingly entertained family and friends here frequently during her retirement years. She had a beautiful view of the Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier, and it was from this tranquil island setting that she began another fulfilled chapter of her life.

Darline loved dancing, bridge, music, travel, and golf, and was passionate about making a difference in the world. She volunteered for many causes on Anderson Island, including: the Women’s Club, the Anderson Island Historical Society, and the Roads and Ferry Committee. She enjoyed teaching bible study for many years, and she also became a delegate to the state Democratic convention in Olympia. Her world travels throughout these years included trips to Asia, Australia, and Europe.

Darline is survived by her two sons: Douglas Thompson of South Prairie, WA, and Paul Thompson, of Kirkland, WA; 4 grandchildren: Shannon Thompson Lipoma, Suzanne Thompson Cowart, Jack Thompson, and Kelsey Thompson; and 6 Great-grandchildren: Josiah, Anthony, Terryn, Christian, Brody, and Emmeline.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to: Foothills Adult Family Home, C/O Jeff and Wendy Mitchell, 8515 234th Ave. E., Buckley, WA 98321. This was where Darline spent the last 3 1/2 years of her life, and she was happy, loved, and beautifully cared for by the world’s most compassionate and professional people.

A celebration of Darline’s life will be held at her Anderson Island Community Church, 11429 Yoman Rd, Anderson Island, WA 98303, on Saturday, January 25th, at 1pm.