Erin Julie Thompson, 35

Erin was taken along with her unborn child and her 13-year-old son, Caden Odell, on March 19, 2009, as the result of a tragic automobile accident north of Kalispell.

Erin was born on Nov. 5, 1973, in Valentine, Neb., to Vince and Dianna Johnson. The family moved to Kalispell in 1974, where Erin spent most of her life.

She worked at Sage in Whitefish, and was adored by her clients.She loved them right back like family. Every person who sat in her chair received her whole heart.

Erin was a beacon of light, lover of all, celebrator of nature, and an embodiment of peace.She had the most beautiful chocolate brown eyes, the tenderest heart, and radiant beauty that shone from inside and out. She was a healer and an empathetic, brave soul who always trusted that love would ultimately guide us through any situation.

A free spirit, the joy of movement and dance was her second language. Watching Erin dance was a vision of celebration and uninhibited joy for life.

Erin had an infectious smile and laugh.Humor was never far below the surface, and she had a knack for relaying the funny side of a story, easily brightening any room.

She's been a teacher, a compassionate ear, and an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. While Erin had a special affinity for anything colorful, sparkly and soft, she saw beauty and divinity in every living thing.She was a lifelong student of spirituality; she was grounded in faith and love, but open to the many possibilities of our world. Her life was love made manifest.

Family has always been her number one joy. For 13 years, her top priority, pride and blessed honor, has been to be the mother of her beautiful boy, Caden.Her relationship with Caden was one of bundles of love, a mutual deep respect, open communication, and lots of laughs.

Erin was poetic and romantic, and had an undying optimism that someday she would find true love.She was so overjoyed when she met the love of her life, Jason Thompson. Their wedding was joyfully celebrated in August 2006. Although their time together was short, it was full of adventure, great cooking, laughter, and deep and unwavering love.Their deepest wish was to create a new life through their love, and everyone around them was incredibly excited about, and in love with the baby they were bringing into this world.

Erin is survived by her husband, Jason Thompson; her parents, Vince and Dianna Johnson; her brother, Thaddeus Johnson; her sister and brother-in-law, Amber and David Young; her sister-in-law, Lindsay Howard; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and so many people who have been touched by her light.

As a wife, a daughter, a sister, a relative, a friend: words cannot describe how deeply she will be missed. To know her was to love her.And her love will live on through all she touched.

A celebration honoring the life, love, and spirit of both Erin and Caden will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, at the Christian Center Assembly of God Church in Kalispell.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. To send condolences, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com.