Centenarian: Hazel McLean Thompson

Spokane

Hazel McLean Thompson celebrates her 100th birthday today. Thompson was born April 5, 1915 in Millinocket, Maine. She has lived in Eastern Washington for 61 years and currently makes Spokane her home.

She met her husband Howard Thompson, in Millinocket. The couple were married in 1934 and were together for 70 years. Howard died in 2004.

Thompson managed the office at Spokane Memorial Cemetery for 25 years and was a church organist for 50 years, often playing for weddings during World War II when soldiers were going overseas.

Thompson credits being healthy all her life, eating slowly, abstaining from alcohol and smoking, and having a sense of humor with helping her live a long and healthy life.

She said her most memorable moment in her 100 years was moving from Maine to California in 1940 and experiencing the change in climate. Thompson said that five of her nine siblings also made the move to California after visiting her.

Thompson has three children: Merrilee Foley, and George and Mickey Thompson, all of Spokane, and David Thompson of San Jose, California. She also has nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.