Marion M. (Jennette) Thompson

WORCESTER – Marion M. (Jennette) Thompson, 71, formerly of Leicester, died late Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the Lutheran Rehab & Skilled Nursing Center in Worcester.

Her husband, Joseph D. Thompson, died in 2021. She leaves two sons, Duane Hathaway and his wife, Jade, and Nathan Thompson; two daughters, Heidi Olivo and her husband Phil, and Stephanie Koetje; three sisters, Paula Dunphy and her husband Eric, Cindy Quinn and her husband Dermot, and Helen Russo; as well as a sister-in-law, Debbie Jennette.  She also leaves grandchildren Corbin, Holden, Haven, and Harbor Hathaway, Dominic, Grace and Vincent Olivo, Jeremy Rawson, Elijah Thompson, and Rachel and Hannah Laythe, along with more than a dozen nieces and nephews.

Marion is predeceased by a son, Erik Thompson, a daughter, Cassandra Thompson, a brother-in-law, David Russo, and a brother, Peter Jennette.  She was born in Worcester, daughter of Joseph S. and Ruth N. (Blair) Jennette.  She graduated from Wachusett Regional Highschool and went on to become a nurse, spending many years at Adcare Hospital in Worcester, helping others in recovery.

She played Ms. Klaus alongside her Husband, Santa Joe, for many years making Christmas extra special for thousands of children. She loved the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox, ice cold Pepsi, and sitting around the dinner table for hours listening to and encouraging others. Her laughter always filled the room and others with delight.

Marion also dedicated many years to Sober in the Sun, helping coordinate the annual substance free camp and volunteering her time as an event nurse. Her life can best be remembered as one passionate about service. She brought so much joy and led so many lost people to God, and into recovery.

Marion insisted that a party be thrown when she passed rather than a funeral or formal calling hours. To honor her request and memory, a family and friends party with be held at her daughter, Heidi’s home, in July. Please contact the family for details. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help with party arrangements through Venmo: @Duane-Hathaway, last four of phone number for confirmation is 8560. Thank you!

Arrangements are in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester.