Paula Lynn Thompson was born October 26, 1954 and passed away at Stanford Hospital on July 11, 2019, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She is survived by her mother Barbara Thompson and four siblings: Michael Thompson, Donna Antosiak, Camille Sullivan and Nannette Mahar, as well as thirteen nieces and nephews. Pre-deceasing her were her father Richard G. Thompson and brother Joseph Thompson.
Paula graduated from Our Lady of Mercy Elementary School and Notre Dame High School and earned a degree in marine biology from UC Santa Barbara. She went on to get her teaching credential and dedicated her professional life to teaching special education, inspiring students for more than 32 years. Paula had a talent for art and was skilled at painting and drawing. She especially enjoyed writing and illustrating children's books. She cherished her friendships and family and always celebrated their milestones with a card or kind word.
A memorial mass will be held on August 20 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church at the corner of Alameda de las Pulgas & Crystal Springs Rd in San Mateo. A reception will immediately follow at California Golf Club, 844 W Orange Ave, South San Francisco.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 16 to Aug. 11, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Paula Thompson

Sponsored by CLOSED-Crosby-N. Gray & Co. Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

18 Entries

Tom Keenan

March 5, 2023

My sympathies to Paula's family. I knew Paula at CSM where her smile would light up the room in biology class.
I ran in to her in Trag's Market in San Mateo a few years later, where she was shopping for the mentally underprivileged group she was assisting. I reintroduced myself and told Paula that although she may have forgotten me, I would never forget her...

Her smile lit up the market.

Denise

July 10, 2022

It´s hard to believe 2 years have passed since Paula left us. She gone from our sight by never from our hearts. I know she is in heaven praying for her loved ones on earth. I love you Paula.

Denise

July 10, 2021

Paula is in my thoughts and prayers. She is dearly missed. I have fond memories sharing our creative talents working with children and many travel adventures. God Bless!

Karen Partoyan-Holleran

December 17, 2019

I am so heartbroken to hear of Paula's passing. We were college roommates UCSB . I have so many fond memories of our days in Santa Barbara. Paula will always live in my heart as a truly inquisitive about the world, who wanted to learn at every turn. Biology, art, history all captivated her. Please know that she made a huge difference in the education of so many. My condolences to the Thompson family.

Susan Greene

August 18, 2019

I am so very sorry to hear of Paula's death. She was a faithful supporter of Art Lovers workshops I taught at the DeYoung and the Legion for many years. When I had to leave due to illness, she wrote me a thoughtful, kind note that I have kept. A lovely person and talented artist who will be missed. I send heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

Susan Hyde Greene

Sandie Sing

August 16, 2019

I met Paula through SPICE (Stanford Project International Cultural Education) program. We were one of the three youngest educators selected for the Fulbright teacher program, to travel abroad to northern China and S. Korea, during the summer of '87. Since then, we corresponded since she lived in the bay and I, in central valley.
Years later, we took an illustration class in Ludlow, Vermont. After the week long class, we had grand time like Thelma and Louise driving through Vermont's towns and hitting all the landmarks.
Throughout the years, we would communicate through emails and see each other at social studies events.
I know Paula is now, free from pain...but it is hard for earth folks to see her leave. I know we will all see her again.
God bless Paula and God bless her family.

Maureen Murray Fox

August 14, 2019

Dear Thompson Family,
Paula's passing is such a tragedy, but you all rallied around to support her in every possible way.

When I think of her, I will remember happy times from our childhood----playing dolls on our front stairs, being impressed as your dad made each of you take on President Kennedy's Fitness Challenge, baking cakes & cookies with your mom, and Paula introducing me to chopped olive sandwiches!

Classmates at OLM appreciated her artistic talents and her organizational skills in helping us stay connected at milestone 10 year reunions for the Class of 1968, including at our 50th last fall.

Renee Katches

July 25, 2019

I knew Paula from our mercy days. She was always a kind soul with a kind word for everyone. My heart aches for her family. She was just as sweet & trying to be optimistic even within a month before her death. My heart is with her family.

Boating at Lake Pillsbury, camping adventure in 2012.

Denise Dutil

July 25, 2019

Pastorino's Pumpkin Farm, Half Moon Bay

Denise Dutil

July 25, 2019

Denise Dutil

July 25, 2019

Paula was a good friend for 40 years. Have such fond and fun memories with Paula that simply can not be forgotten. I loved her artistic personality! She had a natural talent to create beautiful artwork or write engaging stories for children. I will miss my very dear friend Paula but know she is now happier in heaven.

Marsha Meyerhoff

July 22, 2019

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Paula Thompson. We will always remember her kindness, sense of style, artistic talents, and thoughtfulness when it came to remembering birthdays and anniversaries. She will be sorely missed.

Michele Nessier

July 18, 2019

Dear Thompson Family,

I am so sorry to hear of Paula's passing. She was such a sweet and caring person. I have very fond memories of your entire family from our OLM days and coming to your house after school. It is no wonder that Paula grew to be such a wonderful woman.

Love,
Michele Nessier

Barbara Reynolds

July 18, 2019

Paula was a true friend. She always remembered special days with a card and a kind thought. She cared deeply about her students, often spending extra time with them. I will miss her.
Barbara Reynolds

Carol Vega

July 17, 2019

Paula, Miss Thompson's, heart was the size of a football, and her smile, likewise; both entered a room before the rest of her. She was an all hands on deck teacher who never avoided problems because of inconvenience, unpleasantness nor difficulty. Never knew her to speak ill nor unfavorably and she was always quick to defend and excuse. During her earthly life here, she was welcoming, sincere, appreciative, generous, insightful, creative, persevering, loving and true. Looking forward to enjoying the Heavenly fruits her life here produced. Fortunate are we to have known her.

Jayne and Jeff Nilles

July 17, 2019

Dear Thompson family, Extending our sympathy to you on your loss of Paula. May she rest In Peace. Sending you all Strength and Peace during this difficult time. Jayne and Jeff Nilles

Adam McCarthy

July 17, 2019

Paula was a kind and gentle soul. She was a wonderful cousin to me, an talented artist and natural giver of her time and heart...always remembered everyone's birthdays too. Will miss you, cousin. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

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