Esther W. Thompson

Esther Weatherup Thompson, age 92, died on July 26, 2017 at the United Helpers Maplewood Campus in Canton, where she had been a resident for six years.

Esther was born August 11, 1924 in the Town of DeKalb, the daughter of the late Dorr and Shirley (Holland) Weatherup. She graduated from Rensselaer Falls High School in 1941 as valedictorian. She graduated from Canton ATI, with honors, in 1943. Her college major was clothing construction. After graduation, she worked at Randles Manufacturing Co. in clothing design and construction. They manufactured uniforms for industries that produced machines for warfare in World War II.

She married Robert M Thompson on June 10, 1944 at her parents home on Maple Ridge Road in DeKalb. After marriage, she worked in partnership with her husband in the operation of Fineview Farms in Lisbon, a purebred Holstein enterprise that lasted almost 50 years.

Esther is survived by her husband Robert and 10 children; Dr. Robert and Karen Thompson of Washington, DC; Marilyn and Thomas Henderson of Macedon Center, NY; Dr. Marjorie and George Norton of Blacksburg, VA; William and Patricia Thompson of Prescott AZ; Mark and Carole Thompson of Watertown, NY; Ruth and Joe McWilliams of South Colton, NY; David Thompson of Cobleskill, NY; Dr. Donald Thompson of Pagosa Springs, CO; Stephen and Shelly Thompson of Rehoboth Beach, DE and Marcia and Robert Hostetter of Canton. Also surviving are a brother, Clayton Weatherup of Gouverneur; as well as 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Four sisters, Lucy Conklin, Avis O’Connor, Myrna Mason and Eileen Powell all predecease her.

Esther was a 4-H Club leader for many years. Her primary interest was teaching girls sewing techniques. Several of her girls gained state and national recognition for their projects. She was also a Sunday School teacher at the United Church of Christ in Lisbon for several years. Esther had an acute interest in education for young people, her aim was to encourage children to obtain skills that would help them grow to their potential.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Maplewood for all of the care and compassion they offered to Esther during her time at the nursing home. Contributions in her memory may be made to the United Helpers Maplewood Campus at 205 State Street Road; Canton, New York 13617 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St.; Syracuse, New York 13204.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton with Rev. Walter Smith, officiating. Burial will follow in the Campbell Cemetery, Lisbon. Following the graveside committal, the family will receive friends in the dining room at Partridge Knoll, 30 Sullivan Dr; Canton.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com .

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