Yolanda Thompson

August 8, 1921 - February 20, 2023

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Yolanda Thompson. She went peacefully in her sleep early in the morning on February 20th, 2023 at the age of 101 with her daughter Marcia by her side. It would have been her 80th wedding anniversary.

Yolanda was born in Guatemala on August 8,1921, a heritage she carried proudly. She moved to San Francisco when she was 3 years old with her grandmother and sisters to meet her mother who had been awaiting their arrival. She attended St. Peter’s Catholic School for K-12, it always held a special place in her heart. She went on to graduate from San Francisco State with a teaching degree.

Yolanda and her dearest Clarence Thompson were introduced in 1941 by his sister and he courted her with enthusiasm. He always told her “I’m gonna getcha, one day you will be mine”. He was right! They married in 1943 and went on to have three beautiful children. They travelled many roads together - exploring many countries with Japan, Italy and Guatemala as a few of her favorites. Theirs was a long, happy and fulfilling marriage enjoying sixty years together, though even 60 years was not enough. Yolanda cared for Clarence with true and utter devotion during his battle with cancer.

Yolanda loved teaching children, it was one of her many passions. Teaching first grade was her favorite and she stayed connected with many of the students who’s life she had impacted. Her dedication to her students extended internationally as Yolanda and her family hosted exchange students for many years. She also chaperoned students from California studying abroad. During her long career Yolanda was awarded teacher of the year along with other honors. Many of her former students kept up with her throughout the years, even celebrating her 100th birthday with phone calls, cards and visits.

During her golden years Yolanda helped raise her three grandchildren and they shared a remarkable bond. She drove them to school, provided homework help whenever they needed it, prepared endless meals and constantly showered them with unconditional love and devotion. She was always fully present for her grandchildren, helping to mold them into the adults they are today. Yolanda would light up whenever they visited and it brought her so much happiness up until her final days. Singing to, holding, and cuddling her great grandchildren brought her a different kind of happiness and satisfaction.

Paying it forward during her retirement Yolanda volunteered for the San Francisco State Retired Teacher’s Association. She helped facilitate many functions and special events dying her hair green and putting on the St. Patrick’s Day lunch was always her favorite. She sustained her love of children and crafts by volunteering at St. Stephen’s, most memorably making sugar eggs for the second graders almost every year. She supported multiple children’s charities and various Indian Tribes.

She was a woman of deep faith, with a strong moral compass. Yolanda was generous to all she met with her time and gifts. Helping the less fortunate, she led by example.

Yolanda was predeceased by her parents, her devoted Clarence and her beloved sons Paul and Greg. She is survived by her daughter Marcia Ann Giusti (Sergio), grandson Paolo Giusti (Alissa), granddaughters Valentina Forte (Billy), Nadia Giusti, and great grandchildren: Arlo Forte, Rocco Forte, Mila Giusti, and Sofia Giusti.

While the family grieves her loss they are comforted by a lifetime of happy memories. Yolanda’s spirit and the essence of a life lived to its fullest remain. Yolanda was a woman of quiet dignity, kindness, humor, and she will not be forgotten.

For those who wish to pay their respects a Memorial Mass will be held at St. Stephens Church Monday, March 6, 2023 at 10:30 AM.