Obituary of Marian Parry Thompson

BOONTON---Marian Parry Thompson passed away at her home surrounded by loved ones on Monday, September 5, 2011. She was 78. Born in La Porte, Indiana on November 7, 1932, she was the daughter of Arthur and Myrl Parry. Marian graduated from Columbia University, New York, NY and married Captain Alvin L. Thompson in 1956. A classical singer, Thompson's operatic career took her to New York, Santa Fe and Germany. An expert in German Lieder, She frequently performed at various New York venues, including Alice Tulley , Merkin and Carnegie Recital Halls. Her talent was described as "A voice of unusual promise.an endowment of nature as much as technique." In the 1970's she completed her Master of Arts in music education from Columbia's Teachers' College and for 35 years passed along her gift and knowledge to students at New York University and Mannes College The New School for Music. Marian lived in Parsippany for over 40 years before moving to Boonton 2 years ago. Her husband, Captain Alvin L. Thompson, died in 1999. She is survived by her children, Marshall Thompson, Laura Baresel and Emily and Steven Schweer; granddaughters, Taylor Baresel and Amelia Schweer and many friends, colleagues and grateful students whose lives she enriched with her knowledge, humor, grace and voice. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 8th at 11:00 A.M. at the Mackey Funeral Home (mackeyfh.com), 107 Essex Ave., Boonton. Friends may call on Wednesday from 6-9 PM at the funeral home. Marian will be laid to rest with her parents and sister in Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso, Indiana on Saturday. Memorial contributions in Marian's name may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey, 175 South St., Morristown, NJ 07960. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.