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Renee Marie Thomson-Hohl, was a unique and wonderful soul, filled with laughter and light. She loved life and made the most of every moment. Renee was a daughter, sister, wife, mom, grandmom, aunt, friend and active community member. She will be remembered by the many whose life she touched. Her impact can only be compared to the vast amount of pebbles at the beach at Walden Pond in New England, one of her favorite spots to visit. Renee was born in Enfield, Connecticut on January 24, 1961, the oldest child of Alan and Joan Thomson. She had a sister, Kathleen and a brother, Michael. Michael passed away in 1982. Dad, Alan, passed in 2005. Renee graduated from Enricho Fermi High School, Enfield, Ct. in 1979, then attended and graduated from Southern Connecticut University in 1982. She got a BA in Special Education. All through High School and College, Renee volunteered at many schools and other community endeavors, especially Special Olympics. Following college, Renee went to Gaulidet University in Washington DC, then finished her degree at Western Maryland College, receiving a Masters in Deaf Ed. Her first employment was as a teacher at the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. In 1986, she married Rev. Timothy Hohl, after which they both hyphenated their last names….Renee & Timothy Thomson-Hohl. Renee moved to Pennsylvania, where Tim was an Ordained United Methodist minister. Her first job in the area was at the Sterk School for the Deaf, in Newark, Delaware. (now Delaware School for the Deaf). She was an Interpreter/Teacher. Within a few years, their three children were born: Colin in 1988, Elise in 1989 and Ian in 1991. In 1989, they moved to Havertown, Pa, where they lived for 22 years. Renee & Tim raised their children in the Haverford Township Schools, were Renee was active in many volunteer activities, including Nursing Mothers, Chatham Park Home & School Association and many activities through radio station, WXPN, including hosting meals for volunteers and tabling events at many concert venues. After the children got a bit older, her employment continued with Delaware County Intermediate Unit, Special Ed. teacher at Haverford High School, then back to the IU for many years as an Itinerant Teacher in Early Intervention. She touched the lives of many kids and families during all her working years and was a very hard-working employee and admired by many for her fierce dedication to education and making a difference in the lives of all she instructed. Renee was also a loving grandmother to Owen & Aaron, (10 & 8 yrs old). She loved spending time with them and giving the best hugs, trips and loving attention throughout their lives. Other things Renee loved were the many organizations and activities she enjoyed, including: volunteering at Quest Equestrian & Therapeutic, where she worked with horses & special ed children. Also, she loved Dragonfly Forest, an organization dedicated to hosting summer camp for children & young people with autism. Renee was an active member of the Jane Austen Society, attending many meetings and connecting with other kindred spirits who loved all things Jane Austen. Also, Renee loved going to many kinds of “cons” or conferences. Her recent favorite was the “All-Soul’s Con,” as well as Dragon Con in Atlanta and attending New York Comic-Con with son, Ian. Renee loved music, traveling, road-trips, reading, art, arboretums and spending time with family. She would do things with each child, showing her love throughout their lives. Renee also loved to travel! She and husband Tim spent recent summers exploring different parts of the country and world. A highlight was seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland on their 30th wedding anniversary. Also, just last summer, Renee went to Wales & Oxford, England by herself. Then, she met Tim for a week and half of exploring Cornwall, England & Dublin, Ireland. During this trip, they reconnected with a family they stayed with in the London area…30 years ago. As a mom, Renee would often take the kids on road trips. As a family, vacations & trips to fun places and National Parks were some favorite memories. In sum, Renee had a big heart and a flare for bringing joy to others. Her laugh was infectious and her sparkling blue eyes lit up the room. Renee often attended church wherever Tim served as minister, but in the mid-90’s, she joined UUCDC in Media, Pa. The world is a much better place because of the love and light that Renee shared with all. Memorial Service for Renee Marie Thomson-Hohl: Saturday, September 12, 2020, 10:00am Outdoor Celebration of Life, Socially Distant Greetings to follow. This is a rain or shine event, so attendees are invited to bring a chair and umbrella. Masks required throughout. Ardmore United Methodist Church 200 Argyle Road, Ardmore, Pa 19003 The event will be broadcast on zoom. Go to the church website for info and zoom link at: www.ardmorechurch.com An interactive zoom Memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 13, 4pm. That link will also be on the church website at: www.ardmorechurch.com In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made in Renee’s name to the Bird Sanctuary and Monarch Butterfly Monitoring Project of the NJ Audubon Society or to the Ardmore United Methodist Church

Tributes

Renee Marie Thomson-Hohl

January 24, 1961 - August 31, 2020