Obituary of Mary F. Thompson

CANISTEO: Mary F. Thompson, 59, of Bennett St. passed away surrounded by her family Thursday afternoon (May 13, 2021) at the F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua following a brief illness. A life-long resident of the Canisteo Valley, Mary was born November 20, 1961 at St. James Hospital in Hornell to Robert and Linda Cole. She graduated from Canisteo High School in June 1979 and from Corning Community College in 2017 with an Associate degree in Applied Science for Business Administration. On June 26, 1980 she married Barry Duane Thompson in West Jasper Wesleyan Church in Jasper. Mary enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at Parris Island, SC on October 16, 1979 and served 3 years as a Flute and Piccolo player in the Marine Corps Band. Mary completed her enlistment as a Corporal on 15 October, 1982, earning a Certificate of Commendation, Letter of Appreciation, Good Conduct Medal and Meritorious Mast. After Mary’s military service, she returned to the Canisteo Valley where she raised her 4 children. She and her husband moved to Greenwood where she served as town supervisor for 4 years. Mary was currently secretary at the Corning/Painted Post Middle School in Painted Post. The Christian faith was an important part of Mary’s life. A life-long Christian, Mary was a member of the New Hope Wesleyan Church, where she shared her musical gifts by playing flute as a member of the worship team. Her home was always welcomed to visitors and there was always room at the table for friends and family. Her most enjoyable moments were family visits, enjoying her children and grandchildren, and a game of scrabble with a hot cup of tea. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in sports, school plays and concerts. Mary was a devoted wife, and a gracious and loving mother and grandmother. Her loving spirit and beautiful smile touched everyone who came through her life. Mary would never hesitate to offer help, a kind word or a prayer to anyone who needed it. She is survived by her husband Barry of Canisteo, three sons, Luke and Susie and their 2 children Luca and Guiliana of Odenton, MD., Peter and Heather and their 2 children Emma Thibodeau and Peter of Dansville, Joel and Nicole of Rochester and one daughter, Emily and her 2 children Aiden and Gavin of Sanborn. She is also survived by a brother Robert Cole and wife Renee and her two sisters, Jane Rhude and husband Ron and Deanna Cole. Mary was predeceased by her parents and brother, Michael Cole. A private service will be at the convenience of the family. There will be a public service at New Hope Wesleyan Church at 6 PM on Thursday, May 27. Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to New Hope Wesleyan Church, with a memo for the benevolent fund. Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may also be made to the Autism Society of Western New York at https://autismwny.org/how-you-can-help/.