Rose Mary Thompson, 72, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2022, in her Lee’s Summit home surrounded by her family.
She was born March 5, 1950, to the late Graziano (Harry) Joseph Orlando and Mable Katharine Studt in St. Louis.
She was baptized March 26, 1950 in Jennings at Saint Louise De Marillac Catholic Church. Rose Mary took her first communion and confirmed her faith in Jesus May 5, 1957 in Bellefontaine Neighbors at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.
Rose Mary was united in marriage to her sweetheart, Gordon Thompson May 27, 1972. Following their marriage, Gordon and Rose Mary joined the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and have been members of Timothy Lutheran Church in Blue Springs for 43 years.
She continued her education at Our Lady of Good Counsel grade school and graduated from Rosary Catholic High School in Spanish Lake.
Rose Mary grew up with three older brothers and one younger brother. Her upbringing gave her a strong foundation in both family and faith and her proudest accomplishments were introducing her children and grandchildren to the Lord, and demonstrating a biblical example, raising them to reflect the light of Christ.
Rose Mary was a consummate hostess who schooled her children and daughters-in-law in the arts of hospitality; and unfailingly remembered every child and grandchild’s birthday, graduation, holiday or special occasion with a card and kind word or bible verse.
Her home was always decorated to reflect each holiday, culminating in Christmas, her most beloved holiday. During Christmas Rose Mary’s home was a work of art, as it showcased the birth of our Lord and Savior, while reflecting the most stylish decorations of the season. One did not realize the need for a bathroom Christmas tree (or, in fact, multiple Christmas trees), until you visited her home and saw the flair and style she employed.
She was active in the Red Hat Society, and particularly the Lutheran Women’s Mission League (LWML). Throughout her 35 years of dedication to LWML she served the Lord as Society President, Vice President of Human Care/Gospel Outreach, Vice President of Mission Inspiration, Ruth Circle Chairman and an Officer on the Missouri District Endowment Committee. From 2012 to 2016 Rose Mary served as the Kansas City South Zone President and in 2014 served on the Host Committee of the LWML Missouri District 23rd Convention held in Kansas City.
In addition to her passionate service to LWML she continued her mission work with the Lutheran Urban Mission Agency (formerly Lutheran Mission Association Auxiliary) of greater Kansas City. From the late 1980s to present Rose Mary held offices including President, First Vice President, Second Vice President and Correspondence Secretary.
In 2015 she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but battled the disease with a strong faith and determination. Although the cancer returned in 2019, Rose Mary lived every moment to the fullest.
She is survived by husband of nearly 50 years, Gordon Ray Thompson; sons, David Thompson and wife Amy of Miller Beach, Ind.; Ryan Thompson and wife Ashleigh of Arlington, Va.; Paul Thompson and wife Katie of Leo, Ind. and Jonathan Thompson and wife Alyson of Lee’s Summit; grandchildren, Taylor, William, Levi, Mary, Henry, Jayci, Camryn and Kinley; brother, Joseph Orlando and wife Diane of Marietta, Ga.; and numerous other family members and dear friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 23, at Timothy Lutheran Church in Blue Springs.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Rose Mary Thompson Scholarship fund to further the education of young people at St. Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia and Timothy Lutheran School in Blue Springs.
