Cathryn Patricia Thompson

Cathy Thompson passed with peace and grace on August 12, after a valiant fight with diabetes and kidney disease. It was her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family and friends, that carried her throughout her struggle. Cathy’s gentle, welcoming spirit had the ability to make everyone she met feel special and important. She listened intently to your stories and struggles making them her own. You couldn’t help but feel better after having a conversation with her. She was truly one of a kind and it is impossible to count the number of lives she touched with her love and wisdom.

Cathy was born in Oceanside, CA. to Brad and Helen Barrow. She was the eldest of four children with two sisters, Amy and Melissa, and one brother, Brad. Her father was a Lt. Colonel in the Marines and the family moved around the United States before ultimately settling in Raleigh NC. It was in Raleigh that Cathy met her husband David Thompson to whom she was married 37 years. They shared a strong love that endured through the highs and the lows. Cathy and David had two daughters, Erika and Brooke, who were the love of Cathy’s life. With great joy, Cathy welcomed her first grandson, Jackson, in 2013 and her second, Ethan, in 2015. Her grandsons affectionately refer to her as GiGi.

Cathy found great joy in doing for others. She made every occasion extra special with her thoughtfulness and giving heart. As an excellent cook, she nurtured her family and friends through each meal. If Cathy was home, she was in the kitchen. It brought her great happiness to be able to provide for and share love with her family through her food. When she wasn’t cooking, Cathy enjoyed sewing, completing crossword puzzles, learning new computer technology, laying out at the beach or pool, reading Ann Rule or Patricia Cornwell novels, and giving the most thoughtful gifts – especially to her grandchildren. Cathy loved children and always welcomed them into her home treating them as if they were her own children. She is described by many as being a “second” mom.

A visitation period will be held at Central Church of God, 5301 Sardis Rd, Charlotte on August 19 from 12-2pm with the memorial service following at 2pm. If you wish, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, or the charity of your choice.

She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and GiGi whose greatest passion was caring for others. She leaves us rich in memories and will be deeply missed and forever loved.