Lillian C. Thompson Vanderwende, never met a stranger
Lillian C. Thompson Vanderwende, 96, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, at home. She was born in Milford, the daughter of the late John Linden Thompson Sr. and Lillian (Smoot) Thompson.
Retiring from the State of Delaware with the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs in 1996, she spent a few years in Houston before moving to Rehoboth to live with her son. Lillian, aka Clark, or Aunt Clark accepted a part-time job with Wawa as a coffee hostess for 10 years before retiring for the second time.
Lillian was known as a kind, sweet, happy person, and always had a smile on her face. Never a stranger did she meet on her journey through life. Loved by many, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. No matter the weather or time of day Lillian never missed a chance for a car or truck ride with the dogs or a trip to Boscov's looking for a bargain.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Francis Selby Thompson Sr. (Bette), Linden Thompson, John Linden Thompson Jr. (Virginia), John May Thompson (Betty), Willard Pierce Thompson; and her sister, Margaretta Robbin (David).
She is survived by her children, Donna Lee May (George), and Charles G. Hayes Jr.; her grandchildren, Shelby Wilcutts, Marvin Wilcutts, Ronald May, Donald May, and Linden May; sister-in-law, Doris Thompson; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
The family would like to thank the staff of Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care for the exemplary treatment they bestowed on Lillian and the family over the past months.
A funeral service will be held at noon, Monday, Feb 7, in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home,119 N.W. Front St., Milford, where friends may call after 11 a.m. Mask wearing is required and social distancing must be observed by all service attendees and participants. Interment will be in Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery, Frederica.
Flowers accepted, or contributions may be made to: Sardis United Methodist Church, c/o Joann Davis, 228 Cicada Lane, Milford, DE 19963.
