Violet L. Thompson

Thompson, Violet L. age 74, passed away in Leesburg, GA on May 16, 2012. She was born on May 25, 1937 to Michael and Cynthia (Sperber) Wollner in Grafton, Wisconsin. As a graduate of Grafton High School, she continued her studies at the University of Kentucky, Lexington where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. For over 30 years, she worked for the federal government, and for over 25 of those years she lived in Alexandria, VA and worked as the Deputy Director of Trade Adjustment Assistance for the Department of Labor. She was a manager in the federal government when only 2% of women were in that position. She also spent part of her career working with then Senator Dan Quayle on Capitol Hill. When she retired, she continued on a different path studying counseling with an emphasis in geriatrics. At the age of 60, she earned her Master’s degree from George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. She wrote for an Alzheimer’s newsletter and worked with patients diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer’s disease. Violet Thompson was active in her community and a member of the Alexandria Commission on Aging. As a successful working woman in the mid-20th century, she paved the way for those who were to come after her. In 2008, she moved to Georgia to be closer to her grandchildren. Her greatest joy came from being a very loving mother and grandmother. Survivors include one daughter, Lisa (Frank) Yancey and two grandchildren, Katherine and Michael, all of Leesburg, GA and one brother, Roy (Karen) Wollner of Waldo, WI. Violet Thompson was preceded in death by her parents Michael and Cynthia Wollner of Grafton, her sisters, Gloria (Alfred) Rauth of Cedarburg, and Patricia (Charles) McBride of Grafton. Services will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 1:00pm at Mueller Funeral Homein Grafton. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery. Visitation on Tuesday from 11:00am until the time of service. Relatives and friends are welcome. Memorials to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Attn: Memorial Gifts, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York NY 10008-0780 For more information email donations@michaeljfox.org or call 1-800-708-7644