Jean Thompson Lookabaugh, known as “Jeanie,”passed away January 10, 2018 at Parker Jewish Institute (rehabilitation) in New Hyde Park, New York after a brief illness.

Jeanie was born March 19, 1919 in Struthers to James Spense Thompson and his wife, Eva Baker Thompson, and resided on Park Avenue.  In the 1940’s and 50’s, Jeanie worked at Isaly’s and Bovee’s Pharmacy on South Bridge Street.  Following her father’s death, she moved to Neilson Avenue in Brownlee Woods.

When her father asked her what she would like for her 10th birthday, Jeanie’s response was immediate – driving lessons.  Her father didn’t think she was quite ready to become a driver, but his determined daughter explained that she had observed him as well as her brother behind the wheel, and she knew just what to do.  Within days, she was driving her father to and from work every day.  The driving lessons served her well.  Jeanie often took the Neilson Avenue “gang,” consisting of her daughter Nancy and the children in the neighborhood, to Pemberton Pool on hot summer days.  Word would spread that she was driving, and at the designated time, at least 10 kids would pile into the sedan.  The boys in the neighborhood taught Jeanie how to swim, and she had as much fun as any ten-year-old.

Crocheting and embroidery were among her hobbies.  She always kept in touch with the folks she had grown up with in Struthers and was a member of Brownlee Woods United Presbyterian Church, Miriam Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, the senior group at St. Nicholas Church, and the Italian Mothers Club.

Jeanie often began a recounting of her day’s adventures with “I met the nicest young man.”  Among the “nice young men” were Dudley Moore, drummer Graeme Edge of the Moody Blues, and Moody Blues founding member, Mike Pinder, for whom she wrote articles for his fan network.

Music was a big part of Jeanie’s life and once she relocated to New York, she enjoyed member-supported radio station WFUV broadcast from Fordham University in the Bronx.  A member of the station, she often accompanied her daughter to station-sponsored concerts on a regular basis and was always eager to hear new artists. 

An avid and discerning reader, Jeanie generally read one book each day.  Biographies and historical fiction were her favorites, and she often laughed about reading “Gone with the Wind” in one sitting.

Jeanie is survived by her daughter, Nancy K. Lookabaugh, with whom she made her home in Briarwood, Queens for the last 12 years, rescue pooch, Punky Doodle, who guided her throughout the apartment once Jeanie became legally blind, niece Jill R. Carroll of Deland, Florida, and honorary grandson, Andrew P. Demchak of Benson, North Carolina.  Special thanks to Phyllis Amsterdam and Deseree Valentine, two home attendants who took care of Jeanie before she was hospitalized, her honorary sons, Raymond Duemig, Denis Rasic, and Barry Rosenfeld, who kept tabs on Jeanie, and dear friends, Shirley and John Terranova.

Jeanie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Keith W. Lookabaugh (whom she married August 28, 1940), and five sibings:  James S. Thompson, Jr., Mary T. “Molly” Mealy, John S. Thompson, and infants Dorothy and Gerald. 

As per Jeanie’s request, there will be no visiting hours or memorial.  Jeanie will be laid to rest between her husband and brother John in the Thompson-Lookabaugh family plot.  Arrangements were handled by Park Funeral Chapel in New Hyde Park, New York and Thompson-Filicky Funeral Home of Youngstown. 

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