Obituary of Joan Ann Thompson

Joan Ann Thompson went to her eternal reward on October 22, 2023 at age 91. 

Joan was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Malverne, graduating from Malverne High School and the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising. After a brief but exciting career in the fashion industry in Manhattan, she married Howard and commenced her vocation as wife and mother, faithfully supporting her husband in his many roles and giving of herself as mother, homemaker, volunteer, organizer, and catechist. Joan was a founding member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Greenlawn and helped to create its first catechetical program for young peoplein which she taught third grade catechism. A woman of many leadership talents, her generosity in volunteering often saw her managing an office, organizing a sailing cruise or running a store!

After her husband’s passing in 1994, she charted a new path for herself. Working in real estate and office management until she was 85, she also kept up with family and friends. She was faith-filled, passionate and independent to the last, living her final years in St. Augustine, Florida. She loved God, her Catholic faith, and her family.

Joan is the daughter of the late Dorothy and Ormond Downer, sister of the late Suellen Donaghy, and wife of the late Howard Thompson. She is the loving mother of Chris Thompson (Jane) and Sister Marie Bernadette Thompson of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia and survived by her two granddaughters Melanie Thompson and Megan Binkley (Ryan) and great grandchildren Sawyer, Easton, and baby girl twins on the way. 

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 29 Clay Pitts Road, Greenlawn, NY on November 3 at 10AM. Interment to follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, Huntington.