Judy S. Thompson died June 21, 2012 at Bristol Hospital in Bristol, CT under Hospice care after battling cancer since August of 2011. She was 70 years old.
The daughter of Harry and Eleanor Smith, she was born March 3, 1942 in Angola, NY. She lived in Silver Creek, NY for many years before moving to
Lafayette, GA in 2003 and then Bristol, CT in 2008. Judy was a retired Special Education Teacher at the Wheelock Elementary School in Fredonia, NY.
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Judy S. Thompson
She had many passions, but her passion and love of animals brought her 11 times to multiple countries in the southern part of Africa
where she interacted with wild elephants, chimps and other wild life. She did not do this for work or go with a tour guide. Rather, this very petite yet determined woman would go off into the "bush" on her own for weeks at a time to really experience the true African wildlife! Her love of animals followed her to Connecticut where she volunteered at Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center, where she did everything from brushing the horses and organizing charitable events to cleaning out stalls and serving on the board. Judy is survived by 2 daughters, Paula Thompson and her fiance, Robert Allgeyer and Heather Torre and her husband Frank Torre, 2 wonderful grand children, Adriano Torre and Gianna Torre, her sister, Nancy Smith and her devoted Australian
Shepherd, Abby, now living with Paula. Judy Thompson has left an indelible mark on so many lives, is dearly loved by her family and friends
and will be missed for eternity. Calling hours will be held at O'Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Bristol, Conn., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 between 5 p.m.
and 7 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center. Call
860-314-0007. For online tributes, please visit: www.obrienfuneralhome.com.
