Suzanne Thompson

2024 - 2024

Suzanne Thompson
05/14/2024 - 06/05/2024
Suzanne Thompson grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario. She was adopted by Anne and Alfred Thompson and was the eldest of their four children. The next brother, Alfie, was also adopted and was followed by two biological siblings Janet Rylett, and Gerry Thompson.
Suzanne did not have an easy life. She felt like an outsider in her family and often in her community. She was very aware of being adopted and experienced it as a sign that she was unwanted. Her adopted father was an abusive disciplinarian. The abuse was primarily directed towards herself and her adopted brother. She also felt born into the wrong body and refused to dress as a girl, or to participate in typical girls' activities.
At age 16, unwilling to live with the violence at home, she fled. She lived with friends, on and off the streets of Toronto, for several years. After traveling to India and around Europe, she moved to San Francisco around 1971, where she eventually found her tribe.
At her best, Suzanne was charming, a supportive friend, a great storyteller, warm, with a strong sense of social justice. In her darkest moments, she struggled with addiction; finally conquering it, with the expertise and support of Dr. Hoyman Hong.
Suzanne earned her GED and received her Baccalaureate from San Francisco State University, where she graduated with honors. She paid the rent by driving a taxi and had some wild stories to tell. After graduating from SF State, she became a research assistant with a UCSF group, studying the relationship between homelessness, AIDS and Tuberculosis.
Suzanne was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer at the end of 2023. She passed away June 5, 2024, in her sleep, at home with her chosen family. Private remembrances were held during Pride weekend in San Francisco.
Special thanks to Dr. Hoyman Hong, and Dr. Kevin Kim (CPMC), and their office staff.