Obituary of Maria E. Thompson

In Loving Memory of Maria Elizabeth Thompson Maria Elizabeth Thompson was born in Staten Island, New York, to the late John and Arminta Thompson on July 20, 1939. She was the second youngest of eleven children and was raised in the West Brighton community of Staten Island. As a child, Maria attended First Church of God in Christ (COGIC), of Clove road, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her faith became a lifelong foundation and an important part of who she was. Maria attended McKee High School and graduated in 1957. She went on to pursue a career in nursing, earning her nursing degree from the College of Staten Island, Sunnyside Campus. Maria dedicated many years to caring for others in the Nursing Department at St. Vincent's Hospital, now known as Richmond University Medical Center. She later continued her nursing career with the Federal Government, serving as a nurse at the Veterans Hospital in New York City. She faithfully served there for more than 25 years before retiring. Maria truly loved the work she did. She often shared stories about her experiences and the many patients she had the privilege of caring for throughout her career. Her compassion, dedication, and commitment to helping others were evident in both her professional and personal life. Maria was also a devoted woman of faith. She attended Lighthouse Tabernacle Church of Staten Island under the pastoral leadership of her brother, Bishop Harry and Jean Thompson. Following his passing, she became a member of Majestic Praise Tabernacle under the leadership of Bishop Antonio and Deitra Mimms. Maria absolutely loved attending church. She enjoyed sharing her faith, praying for others, and encouraging those around her. She was also well known for baking delicious cakes and cookies for special occasions and church events. Maria loved to sing, but most of all, she loved praising with her tambourine. Beyond her church and family, Maria was deeply involved and known in her community. She took great pride in the neighborhood where she lived and volunteered as a Tenant Patrol worker. She helped organize community events and participated in campaigns advocating for positive change in her neighborhood. Maria also enjoyed spending time at the Senior Center, where she participated in bus trips, arts and crafts, cooking and game groups, gardening, crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She embraced life, cherished her friendships, and found joy in staying active and connected to her community. As the second youngest of eleven children, Maria absolutely adored her family. She could often be found telling anyone who would listen about the people she loved. Although she never married and did not have children of her own, Maria treasured her roles as a daughter, sister, and auntie. She embraced each of these roles wholeheartedly and took great pride in her family. Maria was known for being both sassy and sweet—a unique combination that made her unforgettable to those who knew and loved her. She had a personality all her own and a way of leaving an impression wherever she went. Maria was the last of her siblings to make her journey home to Heaven. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, John and Arminta Thompson, and her ten siblings- John Thompson, George Thompson, Muriel Thompson, Timothy & Thomas (twins) Thompson, Howard Thompson, Harry Thompson, Arminta Barreiro, Stephen Thompson, and E. Diane James. Though her passing leaves a tremendous void, Maria's legacy will continue through her nieces, nephews, great nieces , great nephews, and generations to come. The Thompson Legacy lives on through them and through the countless lives Maria touched during her years of service, faith, friendship, and love. Maria will be sorely missed by her family, church family, friends, community, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her. Rest well, auntie. Your work is done, your faith has carried you home, and your legacy lives on.