1939 - 2018
Passed away peacefully at Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie in her 80th year after a brief illness.
Born in Medonte Township, Ontario, to Walter Bannan and Catherine “Katie” McKeown.
Survived by her loving husband of 57 years Allan Thompson, sons Edward (Anna), Daniel (Lisa Harrison) and Michael (Yanick Landry), sister June Bannan, grandsons David and Andrew, granddaughter Ceilidh Harrison and sisters-in-law Marg Tomlinson (Don) and Doris Barrett (the late Homer Barrett). Predeceased by her sister Bonnie Lepard (David) and brothers-in-law Donald (Joan) and William Thompson.
Myrna graduated from Macdonald Institute, University of Guelph in 1961 and went on to a long, successful career as teacher and educator, teaching Family Studies at Milton District High School, Eastview Secondary School (Barrie) and served as department head at Innisdale Secondary School (Barrie) prior to her retirement.
She had a great passion for music and an uncontainable need to share that love with everyone around her. Anyone who knew her has at some point heard her sing, play the piano or accordion, or get swept up in a singsong that she spontaneously started, whether around the piano or around the campfire.
A truly creative soul who threw herself into many endeavours, using her gifts as a seamstress, a chef, an artist and an organizer. Many first-time participants in her legendary Canada Day events were startled by the level of planning and orchestration that went into it.
Myrna enjoyed an active life with her partner in crime, Allan, going on canoe trips, curling, travelling, making prized Medonte maple syrup at “the plantation” or calmer pursuits like a game of bridge with friends.
Myrna is remembered fondly by her many friends and extended family, fellow teachers and so many former students.
Visitation will take place at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley Street, Barrie, Ontario, on Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 7 pm to 9 pm, and on Friday, December 14, 2018 from 10 am to 11 am, followed by the service at 11 am and reception after.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Simcoe or Salvation Army, Barrie would be greatly appreciated by the family.