Donna Belle Thompson

Donna Belle Thompson (Young), born in Indianapolis, IN on February 26, 1938, to Donald Paul and Janet Marie Young, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 26, 2024, after a long, courageous and valiant fight with Parkinson’s Disease. A 1956 graduate of Broad Ripple High School, she was married September 12, 1959, to Harry B. Thompson Jr. She was a loving mother to Robert Clay (Mary), William Stuart (Ellen O’Laughlin) and Amy Susan Hoeksema (Jim). Beloved Grandmother to her seven grandchildren, Brian Thompson, Kevin Thompson, Jack Hoeksema, Dylan Thompson, Evan Hoeksema, Catherine Thompson and Kieran Thompson.

Returning to Indianapolis in 1988 after 19 years in Chicago and Akron OH, Donna opened The Water Closet, a designer bathroom store that she owned and operated for 10 years. An avid golfer, she and Harry were members at Hillcrest Country Club, and both are 30-year members at the Church of Nativity in Indianapolis.

Diagnosed in 2008 and choosing not to allow Parkinson’s to dictate the terms, she joined Rock Steady Boxing, an Indianapolis based organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease through a non-contact, boxing-based curriculum. At that time, Rock Steady was one small gym in Indianapolis. In keeping with how she lived her life, she not only joined as a participant, but also served as an active board member, mentor and guide. Donna helped Rock Steady to grow into what is now a global organization. She fought fiercely for her own health and for the health and welfare of all with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s did not define her, instead it was her wide circle of friends, her loving family, her devotion to Harry, her love of all things Indianapolis, too many pets to name and too many parties to remember that are her legacy.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Westminster Village North for their tireless and compassionate care for Donna over the past three years. And thank you to the staff at Gentiva Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 8th at Church of the Nativity, 7300 Lantern Road, Indianapolis, IN 46256 at 10:00 AM, with service to follow at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rock Steady Boxing so that others with Parkinson’s can follow Donna’s lead in fighting this disease on their terms. Donate online at www.rocksteadyboxing.org, or with a check mailed to Rock Steady Boxing, 6847 Hillsdale Ct. Indianapolis, IN 46250