Obituary of Jean G. Tompkins

Lake George: Jean Gordon Tompkins of Lake George died at the age of 84 on June 6th, 2018. Jean was born in Marshall, Missouri, to William Catron Gordon and Elaine McLean, and grew up in suburban Philadelphia. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College after which she received a Master’s Degree in English from Mount Holyoke College. Jean raised six children while living in Delmar and Clifton Park, where she was active in community theater. While married to “Bill” Tompkins, an Albany contractor, Jean and her family were summer residents on the old Conger Estate in Bolton Landing from 1974 until 1982. After Bill passed away in 1976, Jean spent winters in Cocoa Beach, Florida, where she acted in many local plays and pursued her love of writing by contributing articles on the Space Program and current events, as well as composing original poems. She lived in Redwood City, California, for 13 years until moving back to her beloved Lake George last year. Jean was a champion of women’s rights with additional interests in current events, foreign affairs and needlepoint. She will always be remembered for her generosity, commitment to lifelong learning, and intelligent sense of humor. Jean is survived by her brother, Dr. Richard S. Gordon, and children, Dr. Theodore “Terry” Sullivan, Peter Sullivan, Diane Sullivan Prentiss, John G. Thompson, Wendy Thompson Kmiecik, and Bonnie Tompkins Kane, as well as by three stepchildren: Linda Tompkins Martinelli, Karen Tompkins Stark, and E.W. “Tom” Tompkins, III. Jean is also survived by 11 grandchildren. Jean passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. At Jean’s request, there are no calling hours scheduled. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be conducted at 11 am, Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. Burial will follow in Bolton Rural Cemetery, Bolton Landing. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to American Red Cross or the Lake George Association. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.