Martha A. Thompson

Martha A. Thompson, age 94, died on September 30, 2023 at the loving and caring community of Kingsway Arms Nursing Center in Schenectady, NY. She was born on March 1, 1929 in Ossining, NY to George and Justine Purvis. Martha grew up on Long Island with her four sisters and many cherished foster brothers and sisters.

After graduating from St. Agnes Cathedral High School, where she served as vice president of her junior class, Martha attended St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing and graduated as valedictorian. Martha worked as a Registered Nurse at Mercy Hospital. She was a proud 20 year participant of the Harvard University Nurses Health Study.

Martha often said the best thing that happened to her was marrying her husband of 37 years, Robert Thompson. Together they raised their four children in Seaford, NY.

Martha was a devout catholic and a proud 65 year parishioner of St. William the Abbot Church. She volunteered in their school library, was a member of the Rosary Altar Society, contributed to the Parish Outreach by making sandwiches, lead several small Christian communities and was a member of the retired nurses group. Martha had a strong devotion to the Divine Mercy  and often suggested the prayer “Jesus, I Trust In Thee” to those going through a hardship.

Martha will be remembered for her service to her community. She served as president of the Plainedge Chapter of Nassau County Homemakers, Secretary of NAMI Long Island Regional Council, and Secretary of the Board of Directors of Project REAL.

Martha is predeceased by her loving husband, Robert, sons Matthew and Paul, parents, sisters, Mollie Brown, Joan Dash and Margaret Nickelsen and best friend, Irene Ottusch.

She is survived by her sister, Patricia Purvis, children, Anne Thompson and Mark (Nancy) Thompson, grandchildren, Elizabeth (Sarah) and Katherine Thompson, Daniel (Kaitlin) and Megan Coughlin (Joseph Daxberger), great grandchildren Liam and Caroline Coughlin. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Family, friends and others whose lives Martha touched are invited to the Charles G. Schmitt Funeral Home, 3863 Merrick Rd, Seaford, NY 11783 from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, October 8, 2023 to reminisce, grieve, support each other and, of course, just chat. Funeral mass will be held at 9:30am on Monday, October 9, 2023 at St. William the Abbot Church, 2000 Jackson Ave, Seaford, NY 11783. Disposition will be private.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to the staff of Kingsway Arms Nursing Center for their loving care.

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be sent to: Project REAL, 55 North Ocean Ave, 2nd Floor, Freeport, NY 11520, www.projectreal.org or the charity of one’s choice.