Brunelda Carol Thompson

Brunelda Carol Thompson, 77, of Kalamazoo, died peacefully on July 20, 2012, at her home. Brunelda was born May 17, 1935 in Crawford County, Illinois, to Irvin and Nellie (Judy) Paddick. She attended Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Illinois. She continued her education at McKendree College, Scarritt College, Peabody College and Vanderbilt University, receiving her Masters Degree in 1962. Brunelda worked at Borgess Medical Center as a Patient Representative, which allowed her to advocate for others and do the work she truly enjoyed. Brunelda married John Mark Thompson on May 31, 1962 in Nashville, TN. Brunelda is survived by her husband, Mark, and her siblings: a sister and spouse Georgia (Paddick) and Richard Carie, a sister, Sharon Wagner of Kalamazoo; her son Gregory Thompson, of Salem, IN; her daughter and spouse, Shannon (Thompson) and Wilte Baker of Kalamazoo, MI; and her grandsons, Jordan and Ian Smith, of Northville, MI. Also very dear to Brunelda and the family was her long-time caregiver, Cristina Goetz. Brunelda was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin and Nellie, as well as her daughter Valerie (Thompson) Smith. A celebration of Brunelda's life will be announced on the www.avinkcremation.com site once a date has been determined. Memorial contributions may be made to Borgess Hospice. Memories and condolences may be left at www.avinkcremation.com.