Meriden, N.H. —
Jane was born in Lynn, Mass., daughter of Harry D. Thompson and Dr. Doris Sidwell-Thompson, and spent her early years living on the campus of Danvers State Hospital, where her mother was a psychiatrist. The family moved to Maine when her mother became assistant superintendent at Pineland Hospital, and Jane graduated from North Yarmouth Academy in 1957. She and her classmates have continued to gather regularly for grassroots reunions, annually since celebrating their 50th reunion in 2007.
After high school, Jane moved to New York City, completing her nursing training at Bellevue School of Nursing in 1961. During that time she met her future husband, Erich, then a student at New York University’s College of Dentistry. They married in Tamworth, N.H. – less than a mile from her parents’ home and farm – in March of 1961, and lived in northern New Jersey near Erich’s family until moving to their Meriden home in 1978. She worked as a registered nurse, a stay-at-home mom, and after earning her dental assistant certification, was Erich’s assistant and office manager for his Lebanon dental practice until their 1998 retirement.
Jane was deeply committed to caring for others, and helped to found Hospice of the Upper Valley (later merged with VNA/VNH). She was also active in the Meriden Bird Club, Plainfield Historical Society, Meriden Library, and the Aidron Duckworth Art Museum.
She loved spending time with friends and family. She loved music of all kinds, but especially piano. She loved creating bouquets from her flower garden. She loved bird-watching and star-gazing, and was known to drag lounge chairs into the field to watch meteor showers. She loved watching the crashing surf at Two Lights State Park in all weather.
She was predeceased by her parents, sister Cynthia, and infant son Erich A. II. Survivors include her husband Erich; daughter Meri and partner Scott Abbot; daughter Amy; beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and her extended Thompson family at Lower Brule, S.D.
The family wishes to thank all their close friends and neighbors who offered support, along with the great care provided by Dave Ahern and his team at Ricker’s Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. An online guest book is available to leave Jane’s family a message of condolence by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.