Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Diana Clare Thompson of Vero Beach, Florida, formerly of Ridgewood, New Jersey, and Dorset, Vermont, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 11, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was 81 years old.
Diana was born in Montreal, Canada on July 15, 1941, to Roy and Clare (Preston) Flegg. After High School, she went on to earn her Nursing Degree at Montreal General Hospital. She then went to work at New York Hospital in New York City.
Shortly after arriving in New York City, Diana went on a blind date and met the love of her life, Robert Reynolds Thompson Jr. of Ridgewood, New Jersey. After a short courtship they knew they were meant to be together and were married on April 16, 1966, in Ottawa, Canada. They raised daughter, Debra Lee and son, Robert Reynolds III in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Diana inspired and touched the lives of many people. For 31 years she helped patients in the Emergency Room at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. When she wasn’t taking care of others, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Diana traveled near and far to be at special functions, games, and celebrations for her children, grandchildren, and many friends all over the country.
Diana had an adventurous side to her. She had the opportunity to travel the world, not only with her husband and family, but with many of her best friends. Another passion of Diana’s was her love of the Game, ANY game! She was a wonderful athlete, partner, leader, and teacher. She excelled on the paddle courts achieving a ranking as high as 8th in the country. Diana enjoyed the camaraderie of teams and many friends while playing tennis in NJ, VT, and Vero Beach. She also immensely loved playing Bridge and Mexican Train Dominoes. Her last love was Pickleball, which she enjoyed playing up until 3 months ago.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert, her daughter, Debra Thompson Murray (Rick) of Guilderland, NY, and son, Robert Reynolds Thompson III (Susan) of Ramsey, NJ. She is also survived by her grandsons, Connor O’Brien, Brooks, Jack and Will Thompson, and Joshua Murray (Kristi), her granddaughters, Clare Bruno (Matthew), and Jessica Murray, and great grandchildren, Brooklyn and Matthew Jr. (MJ) Bruno; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and caring friends. She was deeply loved and will be missed by many.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the attending team at VNA/Hospice of Indian River County for their wonderful care, guidance, and support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. https://t2t.org/ Diana thought this organization was amazing and always wanted to donate.
Our caring professionals are here to assist you and your family during this difficult time. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to assist in immediate arrangements or pre-arrangements.
Lee Ann
March 27, 2023, 7:42 pm
Deb and family,
My deepest condolences to you. Diana was a remarkable woman and touched so many lives. She will live on in all of the people that loved her so much.
With love and sympathy,
Lee Ann
Barbara Baker
March 27, 2023, 9:54 pm
We loved Diana, and will miss her every day. She was blessed with many,many close friends and a loving family.
We will always cherish our wonderful memories together.
Barb and John Baker
Wendy McDowell
March 28, 2023, 12:44 pm
Dear Deb,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. Her obituary tells a story of a beautiful life. May her memory be a blessing, always.
erika greenfield
March 29, 2023, 12:55 pm
Diana was an inspiration to many of us. We loved her teasing and quick wit, but she was also a very caring and thoughtful person. Most of all, as her disease progressed, she was so brave, so engaged, and willing to enjoy everything she possibly could. We all admired her immensely for that. We will miss her.
annemarie rigler
March 30, 2023, 3:51 pm
Diana was a wonderful person, an awesome nurse as well! Worked many years in Valley ER with her. She was an inspiration, with a beautiful smile and quick wit. She used to share the best war stories about her early ER days. Surely she will be missed by many.
Annemarie Rigler (Ridgewood, NJ)
Debra Murray
April 10, 2023, 8:20 pm
We will have a Celebration of Life for mom, Diana, in January 2024. MLK weekend. Please check back for details.
Andrea Hurley
April 10, 2023, 8:51 pm
Worked many years with Diana in the Valley ER. She was a great nurse and an inspiration with her calm and cheerful demeanor even on the worst of days. Had the pleasure of seeing her here in Florida once or twice. My condolences to you all. I’m sure she will be sorely missed
Judy Gonnelly
April 10, 2023, 8:57 pm
I am so sincerely sorry. Back in the day of no cell phones and we were in Elementary school , all the way through High School, we fervently wrote weekly letters and shared our deepest thoughts and emotions. This started when we were nine years old after having becoming acquainted during a week spent in Hampton Beach with our families. Unfortunately after High School we lost track of each other because our lives were far apart. There were years spent searching for each other and we finally got in touch through Facebook. I’m so happy we got to see each other once again last year. It was a joyous occasion and wish we had more time. My sympathy goes out to her whole family.I’m so saddened by the loss.
Lynette Griffith
April 10, 2023, 9:58 pm
Lynne and Barry Griffith -Victoria-Australia-met Diana in Ayres Rock where she snd her best friend Pat were celebrating their 50 birthdays-that meeting started a 30 long friendship-had the opportunity to come to USA where we met Bob and they showed us the sights of New York -will never forget how much fun we had -loved all her emails -she was an inspiration never letting her cancer get her down -will miss you-sincere condolences to Bob and family xxx
Christina Rhoads Marshall
April 11, 2023, 12:56 pm
Diana was such a special woman in every way. Her love of sports and people was widespread in Florida and Vermont. I only met her ten years ago and enjoyed the time spent with her at various bridge dinners. I send my love to Bobby and the children. A beautiful woman will remain in our hearts!
Sally Bissell
April 17, 2023, 5:27 pm
Bob,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family for the loss of Diana. She was an amazing lady who lived life to the fullest all the way to the end. My prayers and love go out to you and hope your many wonderful memories carry you through this difficult time.
Hugs to you and your family,
Sally Bissell