Arlene Patricia Thompson (nee Moan) (August 16, 1939 to July 18, 2011)

Born to Patrick and Annie “Buddy” Moan on August 16, 1939 in Prince Albert, SK.

Married Cliff on October 4, 1969

Survived by: Husband Clifford Thompson, son Jayson (Krista) Thompson of Warman, SK, and daughter Tracey of Saskatoon, SK. The centre of her universe were her precious grandchildren Jessica and Ethan – in only the way that her grandchildren could, they gave her strength when and where she needed it most. Also left to remember her fondly, her sister Sharon (Al) Meyer of Prince Albert and brother John (Joan) Moan of Lloydminster; step-daughter Maria Coldwell (Tim) of Assiniboia, SK.; step-grandchildren Jennifer, Sydney and Kyle and numerous loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Growing up in a bustling environment in Shellbrook, SK, above the M & S store owned by her family, Arlene learned at an early age to be the consummate hostess, taking signals from her shop-owner and politician father, and her mother, whom everyone simply called Buddy. She showed promise and a passion for music at an early age, often asked to play piano at her parents’ frequent gatherings. The travel bug bit her at an early age and she decided that nothing would satisfy but to travel around the world. From June to October 1964, Arlene, along with a couple of close girl friends, traveled to far-reaching destinations such as Japan, Hong Kong, Egypt, Barcelona, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, England, and Italy, just to name a few. When she was in Mumbai (then Bombay) she received flowers and a formal introduction to His Highness the Maharajah of Palanpur and his family. If that weren’t enough adventure, she also took flying lessons at Athabasca Airways and made her first solo flight on June 4, 1964, catching the eye of a handsome blue-eyed pilot named Cliff. Always returning to her music, she sang with the all-girl group the Hootin’-Annies from 1965-1969 playing many live shows and making recordings. With children born in 1970 and 1973 and a husband often away battling forest fires in the North, Arlene became a fast expert at juggling work (as receptionist for Dr. Michael E. Walker at the Prince Albert Medical Clinic), raising children and always keeping her home ready for musical gatherings and coffee sessions. She was the neighbourhood Mom and always kept her door open. A wise woman, an entertainer, and a lady to the end, she always knew how to make those around her comfortable and welcome.

A Celebration of her life will be held on Friday, July 22, 2011 at 1:00 pm from the Warman Senior's Centre, 422 Peters St., Warman, Sk.

The family would like to thank Dr. Haider, staff at the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic and the wonderful nurses and caregivers at the St. Paul’s Palliative Health Care Unit.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic.

Arrangements entrusted to MARTENS WARMAN FUNERAL HOME (934-4888).

Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without affect,
without the trace of a shadow on it.
- Henry Scott Holland