Megan Ann Thompson of Deer Lodge, MT died after a brave battle with an acute aortic aneurysm on August 25, 2023, at the age of 83.
Megan was born March 8, 1940, in Deer Lodge MT, the eldest of 4 children born to Ruth Bernice (Souter) and Francis Aloysius Dumont Sr. She grew up in Deer Lodge, attending St. Mary’s Academy through eighth grade (Megan loved the nuns!) and graduating from Powell County High School in 1958.
At Powell County High School, she was a cheerleader and FFA Queen. After graduation, Megan moved to Helena and went to work for the State of Montana Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Megan married James (“Jim”) Edward Thompson of Gold Creek, Montana. The wedding took place at Immaculate Conception Parish in Deer Lodge on December 26, 1959.
Megan and Jim began married life at Ft. McClellan in Anniston, Alabama while Jim served in the US Army.
The couple returned to Deer Lodge with their first son, Paul Robert, in December 1960 after Jim’s discharge from the service. Megan and Jim were blessed with three more children: Joan Marie, Neil Edward, and Keith Michael.
Megan cherished the years raising her children and she and Jim had great fun attending all the kids’ sports, plays, concerts, and anything else their children participated in. As a family, they also enjoyed hunting, camping, and hiking.
Music and art were an integral and important part of Megan’s life. In 1962, Megan joined the newly formed Woman’s Club Chorus – which she participated in for 30 years. She was also 1/3 of the musical comedy trio known as “The Hangtown Gals” along with Barbara Paull and Betty Masters – and the three of them traveled around singing, playing, and entertaining for years. Megan also sang in the choir and was the church organist at Immaculate Conception Parish for over 50 years.
In 1969, the Deer Lodge Art Club was formed, and Megan joined within its first year of existence. Megan was an active member of the club for the rest of her life, and she enjoyed the time she spent painting with all of her artist friends. Megan also spent many years on the board of the Powell County Museum and Arts Foundation and worked through that organization to support arts and culture in the Deer Lodge area.
Megan resumed her working career as her children entered high school. This included Deer Lodge Floral (1977-1986), the Western Shopper (1986-1989), and the Silver State Post (1989-1992). Megan traveled to Denver with AmeriCorps and undertook training in adult education. With this training, she established the Powell County Literacy Program with volunteer tutors in 1989. The community need was evident, and in 1992, funding was obtained, and space was provided by the Kohrs Memorial Library for a full-time Literacy program. Megan served as both a tutor and administrator of the program and she enjoyed helping many area people realize their GED and other educational goals. She retired from the Literacy program in 2006.
Retirement was spent pursuing her interests in art, music, and genealogy. She painted, researched family histories, played her piano and banjo, cooked wonderful meals, spent an awful lot of time with her family and friends, and played many hours of pinochle.
Megan is preceded in death by her sister, Karen Dumont Bowers, her parents, and many dear friends and extended family.
Megan is survived by her husband of 63 years, Jim Thompson; her children and grandchildren Paul (Kathy) Thompson, Brian and Cal; Joan (Rich) Sewell, Kristopher, Matthew (Rachel), McCall (Cameron), and Marin; Neil Thompson (Jenn); Keith (Lisa) Thompson, Kassidi and Kelli; great grandchildren Ashton, Haven, and Chase Sewell; Leo and Gregory Sewell; and Clay Stauffer. She is also survived by her siblings Janet Cox and Francis A. Dumont Jr. (Susan), all of Deer Lodge; sister-in-law Ann Larson; brothers-in-law Ed Bowers and Tom Thompson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Vigil will be held at 6 PM on Friday Sept. 1, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Parish, 605 Clark St. in Deer Lodge. Funeral Mass will begin at 11 AM on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at the church with Rite of Committal to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. A luncheon will follow at St. Mary’s Center.
Memorials in honor of Megan are suggested to: (all Deer Lodge, MT 59722):
- Deer Lodge Art Club (PO Box 864)
- Immaculate Conception Parish, Deer Lodge (611 Clark)
- Powell County Literacy Program (409 Missouri Ave Suite 101)
The Thompson family would like to extend thanks to the incredible medical professionals at Deer Lodge Medical Center, Community Medical Center, and St. Patrick’s Hospital.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Megan.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday September 1, 2023
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 2, 2023
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
605 Clark ST.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Rite of Committal
Following Mass
Saturday September 2, 2023
Hillcrest Cemetery
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Luncheon
Following the committal service
Saturday September 2, 2023
St. Mary's Center
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday September 1, 2023
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 2, 2023
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
605 Clark ST.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Rite of Committal
Following Mass
Saturday September 2, 2023
Hillcrest Cemetery
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Luncheon
Following the committal service
Saturday September 2, 2023
St. Mary's Center
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Share
Desera Towle says
Rare is the person who will make room for a new friend late in life. You taught me patience which I have always seriously lacked. We shared laughter, Megan wisdom and many cups of tea at her kitchen counter. I will miss you very much.
She also was blessed with keen insight into the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you. Desera
Lonnie Murphy says
Megan was very active in her faith, her community and with family and friends. She will be greatly missed by many. Her dedication to the Deer Lodge Art Club was amazing. She was also blessed with musical talent and had a passion for genealogy and she didn’t mind sharing her knowledge and time with others. Thank you Megan for your life well lived….we will miss you dearly but know you are resting peacefully with our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.
Michele Steyh says
The Thompson family,
Ron and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. She was a beautiful lady.
Laurie larson says
Much love to our Thompson Family. Uncle Jim and Aunt Megan are very special people with a great family. This speaks volumes for what a wonderful lady we lost. Megan radiated kindness with her big heart, certainly a favorite of ours! She was always smiling and interested in what was going on in our life. May you all find peace and comfort knowing we all are so lucky to have known her. Love Laurie, Mike and family.
Greg Pohle says
Sorry to hear of Megan’s passing. She was a gentle soul. Heaven gained a new choir member. She will be missed. Much love and prayers from the Pohle’s to all of you. Greg, Kim, Shaylin, Nathan, and Alyssa
Laurel Curran says
Tom and I are so sorry for your loss, Megan was a beautiful person , she will be greatly missed. Prayers and thoughts for the families.
Stacie Fleming says
Megan was such a beautiful and talented lady. She definitely made this world a better place. My thoughts and prayers to all the family!
Michelle Pearson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thompson Family!Sorry for your loss.Sincerely, Don and Michelle Pearson
Cathy Pomeroy says
Glen and I were sad to hear of Megan’s passing. She was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. She always had a smile and friendly hello. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Linda & Lyle Gleason Morehouse says
Our deepest sympathy to Paul, Joan and Megan’s loved ones. We were sorry to hear of her passing. May you find comfort in the memories you hold in your hearts.
Craig Alger says
God blessed us with Megan and now she is right where she belongs! Love and comfort to all who loved her so much.
Craig and Lamia Alger
Sue Starford-Jursnick says
Thank God for leading me to have one last visit with Megan and Jim before I left for FL. There will never be another like her. Her graciousness knew no bounds! Deepest sympathy to all the family who have lost one of the greats!
Linda Spaulding says
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Megan at the Western Shopper. She was delightful person and I, like so many, will miss her dearly. My sincere condolences to her family.
Connie Jovick Surerus says
Megan touched so many lives for good…She was a dear friend of my mom’s and she talked about Megan often! Megan helped to make Deer Lodge a wonderful and fun place to live. She will truly be missed. Sending love 💗 and prayers to Megan’s family..🌺
Jim Lee says
Growing up on Dixon street, with the Thompson clan across the street, my memories of Megan are forever intertwined with what I considered an idyllic childhood. I don’t know that I ever saw her without that great smile and a “ How you doing kiddo?” Megan was one of the reasons Deer Lodge was such a great place to grow up. Her community commitment and selfless contributions in the arts and literacy are her legacy; but secondary to the wonderful family she leaves behind. Much love to the Thompson’s from me and the rest of the Lees
Brenda smith says
I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with all of you. Your mom helped me with my wedding flowers. She was so very nice and helpful. May the Lord Jesus give you peace at this difficult time. God Bless all of you. from the Brenda (Finch) Smith family.
Mary Thompson says
I was the flower girl for Megan and Jim in1959. As with childhood memories, I remember feelings more than the event. Those feelings were of awe at Megan’s beauty, her grace, and happiness. She made me feel special at four years old, and it has continued throughout my life, always feeling accepted and embraced by her spirit of unconditional love. Megan made a point of calling to check on me this year after Dad passed away. Her message was the same: love, prayer, forgiveness. In the depth of grief, she lifted my spirits. Megan was an angel on earth. She put out her hand to bless and support everyone she met, and we are all better for it. Amen.
Suzanne Ives says
Megan was a big sister model for me. Truly missed by all who knew her. My condolences to Jim.
Darrell Duane Losing says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Megan. Jim and Megan were Deer Lodge fixtures and did a lot for the community. I pastored the A/G church from 73-86 and Megan was always so friendly at the Floral Shop. Jim was my banker and we followed the kids in sport. We give you our deepest sympathies and our prayers are with you. Pastor Darrell & Karen Losing
Butch and Pat Erbst says
We met on a street corner in Scottsdale Arizona. Our friendship started at that moment and has endured the test of time and distance. Megan, as all who knew her, was so very talented. We have a wall in one corner of our home devoted to her paintings and drawings that we were lucky to receive from her over the years. Jim and Megan
were a beautiful couple with great kids and we are fortunate to call them our friends.
Rest in Peace Megan
Love, Butch and Pat
Susan Kramer says
Much love to all of Megan’s family she was such a wonderful lady.
Joie and Susie Kramer
Art Thompson says
It’s a rare thing to have a house where everybody feels welcome, and maybe even like the favorite. Megan’s home, and Megan’s life, defined it. If there’s a better way to have a life well lived, I’ve yet to find it.