Edith L. Thompson Thibodeau

Edith Louise (Dwyer) Thompson Thibodeau 85, of Cranston, passed away on Mother’s Day May 9, 2021. Edith was born March 25, 1936 in Wayland, Massachusetts and was the daughter of the late Franklin G. and Leona D. (Hersey) Dwyer. In addition to her parents, Edith was pre-deceased by husbands Ernest R. Thompson and Warner H. “Sam” Thibodeau and their infant son Donald Thompson. Edith leaves behind three children and five stepchildren (who she loved as her own), Debra L. Thompson Roberts (Wayne); Frank E. Thompson (Kathi); James M. Thompson (Pascal); David R. Thibodeau; Lyn D.Thibodeau (Gary Roak); Kathleen A.(Thibodeau) Richards;  Marc K. Thibodeau (Marie), William H. Thibodeau (Deborah Hall). Edie was “Mom” to all of the children.  In addition, Edith is also survived by sixteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. One of Edith’s fondest childhood memories was sledding down the hills of the Green Mountains in Vermont to go to school.  She used to ride her sled down the mountain to school and her dad would pick her up at the end of the school day. She graduated from Pascoag Grammar School (1950) and received her diploma from Burrillville High School in 1954. She participated in school plays for each of those classes. Music was an integral part of Edie’s life starting at a young age as a vocalist which led to her being a student of the world renowned opera singer Eileen Farrell of Woonsocket, RI. She was the vocalist  for  Sam’s father’s group where he, William H Thibodeau, was band leader and violinist. When Sam and Edie traveled with Sam’s bands, a highlight of the shows was when Edie got on stage and sang her gospel songs.  A CD, “Edie Sings” memorializes her vocal career. Edie made lifelong friends through all of those years; friends who sought her out when they arrived at festivals.
Sam and Edie were chosen to be among the 250 “Pioneers of Bluegrass” in an exhibit at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky. Edie got involved with the community when her children were young - Cub Scout Den Mother, Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She joined The Order of the Eastern Star, the women’s affiliate of the Masons.  “… many projects that benefit mankind……lessons are scriptural, purposes are beneficent, and teachings are moral.” Her children remember her faith in God was also something that was important in her life. Edie’s talent as a cook is well known among her relatives and friends. Her cookbook for her children includes each of the children’s favorites with notes about each. From the cookbook: “I was a happy 'Mom". I hope these memories are as warm and loving for everyone as they are to Dad and I. One of the things we miss the most is "Thanksgiving on the farm".  She loved cooking for her family and those closest to her. It was one of the greatest ways she showed her love. When Sam and Edie hosted the Central Maine Bluegrass Festival, Edie ran the food concession selling all of her favorites. Some of her passions aside from cooking, were her summer trips to Cape Cod, antiquing, reading, sewing, canning, caring for her sheep, gardening, singing gospel songs. The central theme of Edie’s life was family. She was a dedicated wife and mother who raised eight children with love and compassion. Each one was special and for each she was a major part of their lives. Afterglow by Helen Lowrie Marshall could sum up Edie’s life as she touched the heart of everyone she met.

“I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun
of happy memories
that I leave when life is done.”

Edith’s family wishes to say Thank You to the Visiting Nurses of Rhode Island, the Cranston Fire Department, Kent Hospital and Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center