Obituary of Madeleine West Thompson

Madeleine West Thompson, 94, passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2011, peacefully in her home in DeRidder, LA. She lived, laughed, loved…and was loved. She traveled the world, was a successful business person, entertained, and loved being surrounded by family and friends. She was the anchor, mentor, loving guide, and matriarch of her family. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years,Harry Thompson, whom she partnered in several successful business enterprises such as Thompson's Fabrics and Gifts of DeRidder, and West Department store of Jasper, TX. As the daughter of the late P.W. and Arthimese west of DeRidder, she was a direct descendant of the pioneering families of the Coles and the Wests, who settled much of Southwest Louisiana. Her father was a successful entrepreneur and civic leader of Beauregard Parish who donated the lands for what is now P.W. West Park to the city of DeRidder, and also the land for Beauregard Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest in the West family plot. She was known for her sense of adventure, enthusiasm, and courage. Travel, handcrafts, and the game of bridge were but a few of her many passions and she did them all with family and close friends. Her home was filled with many mementoes and memories collected throughout her life. Her Yorkie companion "Happy", was a constant source of unconditional love and devotion. She is survived by her son, daughters, and son-in-law, Paul Thompson of Austin, TX., Tillie Thompson of Newport, R.I., and Susie and Benny Burge of DeRidder, LA.; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Mark Mortimer of Pittsburgh, PA., Bob and Kari Baer of U.S. Army, TX., Susan Baer of San Jose, CA., Michael and Meredith Mayeux U.S. navy, Hawaii, and Ryan Mayeux of Baton Rouge, LA.; and great- grandchildren, Madeleine, Simon, and Lucinda Mortimer; her sister, Lucille West Nichols and her family, and of her late sister, Denise West Berry. Services will be held at Hixson Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA, on Friday May 13, 2011, at 2:00 pm with visitation on Thursday, May 12, 2011, from 4:00 to 8:00pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Hospice, all of DeRidder. Words of comfort may be shared with the Family at www.hixsonfuneral.com