Margaret M. Thompson

April 23, 1931 - December 15, 2023

Margaret Thompson, was known by family and friends as “Rita”. She was born in 1931 in Doolaig, County Kerry, Ireland on the family farm and went to school at Crans Elementary and Presentation Girls School in Castleisland, Ireland.

Rita immigrated to America in 1955 at the age of 24. She married James J. Thompson (deceased) of San Francisco in 1958 and raised six children. She grew up on a farm, taking care of the cows, chickens, pigs and turkeys and was used to working hard and never gave in to idleness. Her first job after arriving from Ireland was at St. Emydius Catholic Church in San Francisco as a housekeeper. She later worked as a certified nursing assistant for the Veterans Administration in Menlo Park, receiving many awards for the loving care she provided to veterans.

Rita volunteered for many years at Saint Anthony’s Parish Church in Menlo Park, serving in the clothing donation program and visitors of the sick as a Eucharistic lay minister. She always took on tasks wherever needed.

Rita found joy in baking Irish soda bread for the parish priests and friends and family. She enjoyed taking long walks and cooking holiday meals. She was a Christian role model compassionate, selfless and a most trustworthy friend. When life got difficult she said “pray!”

She was predeceased by her parents, David Mulcahy and Catherine Casey; her sister, Nora Teresa Mulcahy; and brothers, Timothy and David Mulcahy.

Rita is survived by her sister, Mary Gawley-Gomez; her children, John, Karen, Robert, Barry (Maribel predecessed), Kevin (Nati predeceased) and Maureen (John). She was a loving grandma to Andrea, James, Maryann, Christine, Jacob, Luca, Bella, Ryan and Megan. She also helped raised two neighborhood children, Maider Moustirats Toney and Frank Moustirats, where a lifelong bond was built. They were proud to call her “mom.”

She was a loving greatgrandma to Isaiah, Jordyn, Lucia, DaniMae and Nora.

Rita had a long, enjoyable life with short hospitalizations over the last few years, for chronic heart and lung conditions; and upon returning home from her latest hospital stay she said, I love you, one last time and embraced her children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and friends. On December 15, 2023 she went to be with her Lord Jesus and will be forever missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Until we meet again we will thank God for the most wonderful mother.

Friends and family are invited to the viewing on January 4, at Crippen & Flynn Woodside Chapel, 400 Woodside Road, Redwood City, from 3-6 p.m., the viewing will conclude with the Rosary from 6-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 5, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, located at 3500 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park.

Burial to follow at Skylawn Memorial Park, Calif., 35 at Highway 92, San Mateo.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Saint Anthony’s Dining Room.