Gloria Bono Thompson

Gloria Bono Thompson entered into the presence of The Lord on August 2, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on August 22,1935, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Anna and Carlo Bono. She was a graduate of Annunciation High School.

From an early age she had a profound reverence for God and it was her heart’s desire to have a large loving family. On September 10,1955 Gloria married John Thompson, her high school sweetheart. For the next 71 years they were inseparable weathering life’s joys and sorrows together. They remained deeply in love and side by side till her last breath.

Gloria loved babies and was a consummate caregiver. Her all-consuming life’s work was raising her seven children and tending the home she made for them. She was homemaker, housekeeper, bookkeeper, chef, nurse, and fierce advocate. For this tireless devotion, her husband, her children, their children, and their children’s children are profoundly grateful.

A feisty spirit, quick wit, and acute sense of humor were Gloria’s superpowers. While not one to carry the conversation, she was absolutely famous for busying herself in the background of a gathering then interjecting a stiletto remark so keen as to render the room speechless or rolling on the floor in uncontrollable laughter. She bequeaths her family a treasure trove of zingers to enjoy for years to come.

A Charismatic Catholic and parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake Church, Gloria played a pivotal role in launching The Novena to the Holy Spirit over 40 years ago. This annual Pentecost novena continues to be a powerful instrument for spiritual growth in churches throughout the Northshore to this day. Her faith, study of scripture, wise counsel, and devoted prayer life have been crucial in carrying many others through life’s trials. The legacy she leaves is far reaching and eternal. Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the assurance that she has finished the work given to her on Earth and is safe in the arms of Christ.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Judy Dazet, and her daughter Laurie Miltenberger. She is survived by her husband John Walter Thompson, Sr. PhD; her children Dr. John Thompson, Jr. (Dr. Michelle Garriga), Jan Dicks (Edward Dicks), Laurie’s husband Edwin Miltenberger, Theresa Jones (Charlie Jones), Tommy Thompson (Beth Bickham), Stephen Thompson (Scott Vaughan), and Maureen Kelly (John Kelly); 24 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; her siblings MaryAnn Gallodoro and Carlo Bono as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Service will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Church, Mandeville, LA on Tuesday, August 11th. Visitation 10 a.m. to Noon. followed by the funeral mass. A private family internment will take place following the service at St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery, Saint Benedict, LA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in memory of Gloria to Covenant House, New Orleans, LA www.covenanthouse.org