Mt. Olive Township, Mrs. Catherine Marie (Higgins) Thompson, 86, died on November 11, 2012 at her home. She was born in Jersey City and lived in Roxbury before moving to Flanders 65 years ago. Catherine, known as Kitty to her many friends, founded and operated two successful businesses; Thompson Builders Inc/ Clear Span Structures and Fla-Net Park Campground.  She retired from Clear-Span in 1981. Fla-Net Park opened its doors in 1969, and Kitty was actively involved in the business for the last 43 years.  Fla-Net Park is so much more than “just a quiet place.” Kitty and her husband Ed created a home away from home for thousands of campers over the years, and her footsteps will forever resonate along its wooded paths. For Kitty, every day was a celebration of life, and she refused to let life pass her by. She preferred the roads less traveled, taking to the highways and byways cruising on her motorcycle. It wouldn’t be winter without Kitty’s famous snow dance, as she prepared to fire up her snowmobile and race about on snow packed trails. On a clear day, Kitty might jump into the cockpit of her private plane, “topping windswept heights with easy grace on laughter silvered wings.” Her zest for life carried her around the world, but she was happiest at home, surrounded by the family and friends who loved her. Kitty was truly the “Queenie” of the Thompson clan.

Kitty was preceded in death by her beloved  husband Edwin C Thompson in 1993, and is survived by her 4 children; Edwin N. Thompson of  New Port Richie, Fl, Terry Thompson of Flanders, Kathi Vogler of Pompton Plains and Tawny Taylor of West Milford . Her adventurous spirit and fearless nature live on in her 9 grandchildren and her great granddaughter.

In celebration of Kitty’s spirit we ask you to stop a minute, and enjoy this part of life’s journey. Spend a day doing something you love, go skiing, climb a mountain, travel, or just load up your dog for a ride in the car!

 “And when the goals are reached at last, when all the flying’s done, I’ll answer Him with no regret- Indeed, I had some fun.So when these things are asked of me, And I can reach no higher,My prayer this day – His hand extends ,To welcome home a Flyer.”

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Kitty’s memory to the American Cancer Society. (https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/donateonlinenow/index

Private arrangements are by the Davis and Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main St., Succasunna (973-584-7264) davishepplewhitefh.com