Susan Archer Thomson

Susan Georgina Leonora Thomson nee Archer, passed away peacefully at home on February 28, 2018. She was born January 4, 1923 in London, England to George Leonard Archer and Susan Banks Paterson Archer. Susan spent her first 8 years in Paris, France. She moved with her parents and younger sister Andre (1925-1979) to Chicago, IL USA in 1931 at the height of the depression. When her father died in 1933, she helped her mother by taking in laundry and ironing to make ends meet. She attended Loyola University and the Art Institute. In 1942 at the age of 19, she joined the WAAF and traveled to England in a troop carrier. Trained as a radio operator, Susan guided pilots home after missions. She also trained in signals and deciphering coded messages, a skill she retained throughout her life doing crossword puzzles. After the war, she worked at the American Embassy in London, England. On a trip home, while stopping in New York, she met and married Robert Dewar Thomson (1921-1994). They had one child. They divorced in 1967. Throughout her life, Susan enjoyed traveling between the US and the UK. Susan was a beloved, cherished and adored mother. She is survived by her only daughter, Amanda (Michael L.) Greer Dewar Emery; cousin, Judith (Walter) Guthrie nee Martin of Australia; nephews, John Thomson of Bristol, England and James (Maureen) Silkworth of Endicott, New York; nieces Mary (Jan) Dauman nee Thomson and Nancy (Norb) McAfee nee Silkworth. A Celebration of Life “Afternoon Tea” will be held Sunday, March 11, 2018 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Union League Club, 65 Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604. Please no jeans as the club does not allow.