In Loving Memory

Margaret Thompson

March 15, 1945—January 20, 2024

Remembered with Love

“The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don't tell you what to see.”

About Margaret

Margaret Rose Thompson (née Williams) was a beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, and community volunteer who touched countless lives throughout her 78 years. Born in Sydney during the final months of World War II, Margaret grew up in a loving family that instilled in her the values of kindness, education, and service to others. She excelled in her studies and went on to become a primary school teacher, a profession she pursued with passion for over 40 years. Margaret met her husband, Robert Thompson, at a university dance in 1967. They married two years later and built a beautiful life together, raising three children: Sarah, Michael, and Emma. Margaret was not just a teacher in the classroom but also at home, nurturing her children's curiosity and love of learning. Throughout her career, Margaret was known for her innovative teaching methods and her ability to connect with students who struggled academically. She believed that every child had potential and worked tirelessly to help them discover their strengths. Many of her former students have shared stories of how Margaret's encouragement changed the trajectory of their lives.

Family & Friends

Margaret's family was the centre of her world. She and Robert created a warm, welcoming home where friends and family always felt loved and accepted. Sunday dinners at the Thompson house were legendary, with Margaret's famous roast lamb bringing everyone together around the table. As a grandmother, Margaret found new joy and purpose. She delighted in reading stories to her grandchildren, teaching them to bake her special chocolate chip cookies, and taking them on adventures to museums and parks. Her grandchildren affectionately called her "Nana Maggie" and treasured their special one-on-one time with her. Margaret's circle of friends was vast and diverse. She had a gift for maintaining friendships across decades and distances. Her friends remember her as someone who always remembered birthdays, offered a listening ear during difficult times, and celebrated life's joys with genuine enthusiasm. The Thompson family home was always open to those in need. Margaret and Robert hosted exchange students, provided temporary housing for families in crisis, and welcomed anyone who needed a place at their table. Their generosity and hospitality became legendary in their community.

Service Information

January 28, 2024

St. Mary's Cathedral, Melbourne

Final resting place: Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Melbourne

A celebration of Margaret's life will be held at St. Mary's Cathedral, Melbourne, on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 2:00 PM. The service will include readings from Margaret's favourite poems, musical performances by the school choir she helped establish, and reflections from family, friends, and former students. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Margaret Thompson Education Fund, which will provide scholarships for disadvantaged students pursuing teaching degrees. Following the service, all are invited to join the family for refreshments and shared memories at the Parish Hall.

Teaching Philosophy

Margaret believed that education was not just about imparting knowledge, but about nurturing the whole child. She often said, "A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops." Her classroom was a place where mistakes were learning opportunities, where every question was valued, and where each student was encouraged to reach their full potential.

Community Involvement

Beyond the classroom, Margaret was deeply involved in her community. She volunteered at the local library's literacy program, organised annual charity drives for underprivileged families, and served on the school board for over a decade. She was instrumental in establishing the community garden that still thrives today, teaching children and adults alike about the joy of growing their own food.

Travel Adventures

Margaret and Robert shared a love of travel that took them to over 30 countries. Their adventures ranged from camping trips across Australia to cultural tours of Europe and volunteer work in developing nations. Margaret kept detailed travel journals and photo albums, documenting not just the places they visited but the people they met and the experiences that enriched their understanding of the world.

Things Margaret Loved

Favourite Book

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Favourite Movie

The Sound of Music

Favourite Food

Her mother's apple pie

Favourite Drink

Earl Grey tea with honey

Favourite Hobby

Gardening and reading

Favourite Song

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Favourite Artist

Claude Monet

Favourite Album

The Best of Ella Fitzgerald

Capturing Margaret

Tributes & Memories

A Teacher Who Changed My Life

Mrs. Thompson was my Grade 3 teacher, and I still remember her kindness 25 years later. I was struggling with reading, and while other teachers had given up on me, Mrs. Thompson stayed after school every day to help me. She never made me feel stupid or different. She had this amazing way of making learning fun. I remember she created a "reading adventure" just for me, where every book I finished was a step on a treasure map. By the end of the year, I had not only caught up with my classmates but had fallen in love with reading. Mrs. Thompson didn't just teach me to read; she taught me that I was capable of anything if I was willing to work for it. That lesson has carried me through my entire life. I became a teacher myself, inspired by her example, and I try every day to be the kind of teacher she was to me. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson, for seeing potential in a struggling little boy and for never giving up on me. You truly changed the course of my life.

— David Chen(Former Student)

memory•January 23, 2024

My Beloved Mother

Mum, where do I even begin? You were the heart of our family, the one who held us all together with your endless love, patience, and wisdom. I remember coming home from school every day to the smell of something delicious baking in the oven and your warm smile greeting me at the door. You always had time to listen to my problems, no matter how trivial they seemed, and you had this magical way of making everything better. You taught me so much more than just how to be a good person – you showed me through your actions every single day. The way you cared for Dad during his illness, how you opened our home to anyone who needed help, and how you never spoke an unkind word about anyone, even when they didn't deserve your grace. Your grandchildren adored you, and watching you with them brought me such joy. You had the same patience with them that you had with us, the same ability to make them feel like they were the most important people in the world. I miss our Sunday phone calls, your terrible jokes that always made me laugh anyway, and your hugs that could fix anything. I promise to carry on your legacy of kindness and to raise my children with the same love and values you gave me. Rest in peace, Mum. You were truly one of a kind.

— Sarah Thompson-Mitchell(Daughter)

tribute•January 23, 2024

A Friend Like No Other

Margaret and I met on the first day of teacher training college in 1965, and from that moment, we were inseparable. We were both nervous country girls in the big city, but Margaret had this way of making everything seem like an adventure. Over the years, our friendship weathered everything life threw at us – marriages, children, career challenges, and loss. Margaret was always there with a listening ear, practical advice, or just a shoulder to cry on. She had the most infectious laugh and could find humour in any situation. Even during her final weeks, she was cracking jokes and trying to make the rest of us feel better. That was just who she was – always putting others first. I will miss our weekly coffee dates, our book club discussions (where she always had the most insightful observations), and our annual girls' trips that continued well into our seventies. Margaret, thank you for 59 years of friendship. You made my life richer in every way possible.

— Patricia Williams(Best Friend)

memory•January 24, 2024

Nana Maggie's Love

Nana Maggie was the best grandmother anyone could ask for. She always had time for us, whether it was reading stories, helping with homework, or teaching us how to make her famous cookies. I loved staying at Nana and Grandpa's house because it always felt so warm and safe. Nana would let us help in her garden, and she taught me the names of all the flowers and how to take care of them. She never missed a single school play, sports game, or birthday party. Even when she got sick, she still came to my graduation. That's just the kind of person she was. I'm going to miss her so much, but I know she's watching over all of us. I promise to take care of her garden and to always remember the stories she told me about when she was little. I love you, Nana Maggie.

— Emily Mitchell(Granddaughter)

memory•January 25, 2024

A Mentor and Inspiration

As a new teacher, I was fortunate to be placed at the same school where Margaret Thompson taught. She took me under her wing immediately and became not just a colleague, but a mentor and friend. Margaret had this incredible ability to connect with every student, especially those who were struggling. She taught me that teaching isn't just about curriculum – it's about seeing the whole child and helping them believe in themselves. I watched her handle difficult situations with grace, turn challenging students into confident learners, and create a classroom environment where everyone felt valued and safe. Even after she retired, Margaret continued to mentor young teachers. She would often say, "Teaching is a calling, not just a job," and she lived that philosophy every day. The education world has lost a true champion for children, and I have lost a dear friend and mentor. Her influence will continue through all the teachers she inspired and all the students whose lives she touched.

— Jennifer Walsh(Colleague)

tribute•January 26, 2024

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