Dorothy Jane Thompson's Obituary
Dorothy Jane Kollaja Thompson, 81, of Houston, TX, ascended to heaven on August 19, 2023 from complications with cancer. Dorothy loved her family and friends with a fierce passion, and she was deeply loyal to all those blessed to be in her orbit; her impact and presence will be sorely missed every day.
Dorothy was born in Fayetteville, Texas on September 16, 1941, to John and Mathilda Kollaja, and she was the youngest of four sisters: Rosie, Mary, Adell and Dorothy. Tragically, John succumbed to a heat stroke in 1949, leaving “Tillie” and her young girls to support one another and carry on together, which they did admirably. Those early years were very difficult for all the Kollaja girls, but they formed and shaped Dorothy, her sisters and their mother into incredibly strong and enduring women who went on to provide for themselves and their families in ways that have and will continue to endure for generations.
Dorothy moved to Richmond-Rosenberg, TX with her mother and sisters after the passing of her father. She graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School in 1959, and she was eventually set up on a double-date with a young man from Louisiana whom she declared she did not like after their first date. Well, that turned out not really to be true, and she and Gene Thompson married on June 15, 1963. “Dot” and Gene built a sweet and successful life together, adding two beautiful children along the way – Brian Paul in 1966 and Marla Renee’ in 1970. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 15, 2023.
After they married, Dorothy worked at the Prudential Insurance Company and eventually took an administrative position at NASA with the Photography Department. She made many lasting memories and friends while she was with NASA, immensely enjoying her involvement with the talented photographers and their images that captured our nation’s fascination with space. The first moon landing, the tragic Apollo 1 disaster, and many other milestones she witnessed while there. Dorothy and Gene then founded Thompson Cargo Specialists, Inc. in 1978, where she worked alongside her husband every day until they closed the business earlier this year. Dorothy and Gene’s unending hard work and dedication with Thompson Cargo provided admirably for themselves and their children throughout a long and successful lifetime.
Dorothy was a forever gardener, family provider, friend and neighbor to many, and she loved holidays and any time spent with her children and grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her amazing smile, her fierce loyalty, and her giving heart to anyone in need. She was a strong matriarch and an angel in many ways.
Dorothy was preceded in rest by her beloved parents Mathilda and John Kollaja, and her sister Mary Wunderlich. She is survived by her doting husband, Gene; her loving children, son Brian Thompson, daughter Marla Thompson Poirot, and cherished son-in-law Karl Poirot; and her treasured grandchildren Luke Patrick Poirot, Emma Jane Poirot, Braden Hunter Thompson and Courtney Nicole Thompson, whom she loved so very dearly.
The family thanks everyone for their caring thoughts and prayers. Dorothy’s life will be remembered and celebrated during a Visitation at San Jacinto Funeral Home on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 5:00-8:00 pm, and a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am on Friday, August 25 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Channelview. A graveside Committal Service will follow in Fayetteville, Texas at approximately 2:00 pm. Dorothy’s Czech heritage and family lineage was of supreme importance to her, and she will forever rest peacefully alongside her cherished parents and other loving extended family members already awaiting her in Fayetteville.
If desired, donations may be made in Dorothy’s memory to Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, Episcopal High School, or MD Anderson Cancer Center.
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