Mary “Pat” Thompson, age 93, passed away peacefully early in the morning April 5, 2024. Pat was born Oct. 7, 1930, in Jersey City to Margaret and Thomas Digan. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt.
In December 1954, Pat married the love of her life, Harold J. Thompson, at St. Agnes Church in Atlantic Highlands. She always liked to say that they were the first couple to be married at St. Agnes Church. Pat and Hal resided in Belford for 39 years and had three wonderful children, Michael, Matthew and Kathleen. After Hal’s passing, she moved to Holmdel; 18 months ago, she moved to Brandywine Assisted Living in Shrewsbury.
Pat was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Church. She co-founded the Thrift Shop for St. Mary’s Parish and continued to dedicate over 30 years to this charitable cause. Pat helped to coordinate and establish the Adoration Chapel and was a devoted Adorer throughout her life. Pat was a volunteer for the St. Mary’s Fair, the PTA and anywhere help was needed in the parish. As her children got older, Pat started the St. Mary’s Theater and Travel Group. She had a passion for travel and took many, many groups around the world. Her most important trips were to Medjugorje, Bosnia, as part of a lifelong adoration to the Blessed Mother. In addition, she was a member of the Altar Society, Rosary Society and Catholic Women of Zion.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Thomas Digan; her loving husband Harold; her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Roy; and her brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Judy; her granddaughter Rebecca; her two nieces, Mary and Margaret and nephew Eric; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law George and Alma.
Pat is survived by her sister, Sr. Joan Digan; her children Michael (Irene), Matthew (Debbie) and Kathleen (Brendan); her grandchildren, Erin (Ben), Ashley, Brian (Amber), Christopher (Kris), Kevin (Courtney) and Luke (Troy); her great-grandchildren, Nathan, Patrick, Jace, Megan and Bridget; her nieces, Judy, Diane and Janet, and her nephew Mark; many great-nieces and nephews; and her special friend Gene Brennan, whom she loved dearly.
A memorial visitation was held April 9. A Mass of Christian Burial was held April 10 at St. Mary’s Church. Burial followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. Mary’s Church in Middletown.
The article originally appeared in the April 11 – 17, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
