Remembrances: Donna Jean Thompson

"We Thought She Would Live Forever"

-  Mark Hannon

Donna Jean Thompson was born in (no need to get too specific). During her childhood, both her brother and father passed away. This left her with her mother, Alice, as her only immediate family. They were very close, and this dynamic duo lived together for decades until Alice passed away at a ripe old age.

Donna became interested in the world of the cat fancy early in her life. She told us that her first cat show visit was in 1964. She became enamored with blue Persians and her first foray into exhibiting was with both silver tabby American Shorthairs and blue Persians. She found some successful Persian breeders as mentors and off she went. The American Shorthairs were soon replaced by Abyssinians. While Donna worked with a number of breeds during her life, she probably made the biggest impact on Abyssinians. She obtained a female Aby from Charles Milwain (Misty Mornin' cattery) which she bred to Edna Field's well-known stud GC Chota-Li R.S.T. This breeding produced GC Jeannel Charlie who was CFA's Best Abyssinian in 1971. Wain Harding commented, "Charlie can be found somewhere in the pedigree of most of the winning Abyssinians today." Donna's breeding program was small and she eventually decided to focus primarily on her Persians. Well, mostly. Donna's best friend was Kitty Angell who was not only a judge but also a successful Scottish Fold breeder. It was no surprise that a show quality Fold found its way to DJ's home. With her busy judging schedule, a national campaign with her Fold was not possible. Or was it? What about her mom, Alice? Alice found herself on the road week after week and a national win was achieved after all.