85°
Jeanne Grahame Thompson, a civic leader in Easton and Fairfield, died Dec. 17 at home in Fairfield. She was 88.
Thompson was born in Bronxville, N.Y., on May 4, 1922. She later grew up in Stovall, Miss., and Baltimore. After graduating from the Clarksdale School in Mississippi, Thompson studied at Bennett College, the University of Bridgeport and the American Academy of Arts in New York.
She settled in Easton and became involved in community politics. Thompson was the first vice president of Easton's League of Women Voters, president of the Republican Women's Club, Third District chair of the Republican Town Committee and Republican Registrar of Voters. Outside of the political sphere, she served on the Easton Parent-Teacher Organization.
Thompson also was involved in charity work. She was chairwoman of the Cancer Crusade for many years. She served on the boards of the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. And for 25 years, she volunteered with the School Volunteer Association in Bridgeport, formerly the Junior League project Y.O.U.
After moving to the Greenfield Hill section of Fairfield, Thompson served as a docent for the town's branch of the Connecticut Audubon Society, the Birdcraft Museum and the Fairfield Historical Society. She was also a member of the Eunice Dennie Burr chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the House and Garden Club of Greater Bridgeport and the Fairfield Beach Club. Thompson achieved life master rank in the American Contract Bridge Club.
Thompson is survived by two children, Leslie Anne and Payton Grahame Thompson; and three grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas John and Gordon Wight Grahame.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 4670 Congress St., Fairfield. Friends may greet the family an hour before the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thompson's memory to the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405, or call 203-315-7575 for more information.
Did you know Jeanne Thompson? Share your memories in the comments below.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.
