Rosemary O'Hanlon Thompson

Rosemary, pre-deceased by her beloved husband Captain Robert “Bob” Thompson, is survived by her 4 children Robert Thompson (Stacy Phillips); Elizabeth Brown (Russell Brown); Jane Thompson (Francisco Bohorquez); Patricia Anthony (Nicholas Anthony) and seven grandchildren: Alexander Brown; Bridget and Fiona Meade; Mario Bohorquez; Duke, Mairin and Keala Anthony.

Born November 1, 1946, to John “Jack” and Winifred O’Hanlon, she grew up in the Bronx, New York with her three siblings (Jack, Robert and Joseph) and in close proximity to extended multi-generational family members. She and her family were active parishioners of St. Benedict’s Church where she attended elementary school and later attending Preston High School, Class of 1964.

The O’Hanlon/Murphy family has always been very close and connected. Between family dinners, holiday gatherings, dance parties and summer vacations at Lake George, NY, their togetherness is something that continues to this day.

She married Robert "Bob" Thompson in 1966, and started the family in New York living in Flushing, Putnam Valley and Roosevelt Island. In all the New York homes, Rosemary became a part of the local community organizations including St. Andrew Avellino Church in Flushing and St. Francis Cabrini Church on Roosevelt Island; the local community play groups, and school events with the children, all of which developed friendships that spanned her life. In 1979, the family moved to Treasure Island, Florida. With some local friendships already in place and a vision of raising the family in sunny Florida, once again Rosemary connected with the local community through the children’s activities, Treasure Island community center and St. John Vianney Church.

Rosemary was an integral part of her children’s lives with constant participation in their school and extra-curricular activities at St. John Vianney Catholic School, Gulf Beaches Elementary School, St. Petersburg Catholic High School, Boca Ciega High School, and Cheryl Lee Studio of Dance. She ranged from classroom mom, president of the PTA numerous times, President of the Band Parent's association, Cheerleading booster member and a constant attendee, costume seamstress and transportation for the years of dance attended by Jane and Patty.

Rosemary had a love of reading, physical fitness, volunteer work, and a constant desire for education. Before marriage and children, she attended Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing. With a young family, she attended several classes at Hunter College but opted to focus on raising her family and keeping a stack of books ever present. As the children all grew older, she found herself wanting a professional career. At age 40, she re-entered the academic world and focused her education again on the medical field. She attended St. Petersburg (Junior) College to become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) graduating in 1989 with honors. Her career as a

Physical Therapist Assistant primarily at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena, FL was very rewarding through patient care and being a clinical instructor for new PTA students. She prided herself on being a patient advocate and making therapy fun and functional incorporating all the dance moves she and her family perfected during their childhood gatherings. Many of her patients became lifelong friends. Further friendships were solidified through her 2–3-time weekly Jazzercise crew at the City of Treasure Island Auditorium and Community Center. This was not only great exercise but the lunches and dinners after the classes became a regular group of women supporting women and creating memories through just for fun exercise classes and gatherings, most notable were the Kentucky Derby parties and the hats! Rosemary held these friendships close to her heart.

Her volunteer work in Florida started with All Children’s Hospital as Roller Rosie the Clown visiting sick children at the hospital with several other "clown friends". Together with Bob, she volunteered with the Southern Offshore Fisherman’s Association (SOFA) to work in the food tent during the annual John’s Pass Seafood Festival for several years. They also were part of the Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) for Treasure Island and available for emergency evacuations for those less abled during hurricanes or other disasters. At St. John Vianney School and Church she was a regular classroom Mom and eventually a Eucharistic Minister serving primarily the 4:00 Saturday Masses. Rosemary joined the Treasure Islettes as initially a member, then became an active board member and eventually served as President, several times, of the historic club advocating for academic scholarships and local community support for the City of Treasure Island Police and Fire Departments. Later she became a member of the Rotary Club of the Gulf Beaches chairing numerous charity events including the Tennis Classic at Treasure Island Golf and Tennis Club and worked numerous charity events as a Rotarian including at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic supporting care for those with food and healthcare insecurities or homelessness, Sleep In Heavenly Peace building and furnishing beds for children and families in need, The Salvation Army bell ringer during the holidays and actively bringing guest speakers to the Rotary weekly meetings to expand the knowledge of the needs of the community. Outside of her core organizations she donated time, money and talents to numerous organizations supporting local action for food insecurities, women and children’s safety, educational television and educational radio programming (WEDU/PBS/WUSF). Rosemary also had a love for the local musicians of which her belated husband was a part of. She and Bob enjoyed attending local venues to see Bob and their favorite performers live. She continued supporting the local musicians after Bob's passing and grew a wider friendship group with these musicians. Her example of compassionately and actively giving to those in need, supporting the local community and being constantly active is a gift that she modeled for her family and friends. She was a woman of action, dedication, devotion and compassion always involved and doing something!

Her dedication to her family has been evident at all ages and stages of her life. Including supporting her mother through her father, Jack's passing before moving to Florida. When relocating to Florida, she cared for her dear Aunt Kathleen. Later years she supported her mother through the passing of her second husband, Ray. She cared for her husband, Bob, and her mother Winnie through their final years with grace and compassion. She has been integral in the upbringing of her grandchildren as emotional support, transportation, homework helper and supplier of as many Tootsie-pops as they could want. Her home was the center of the family gathering and included great food, laughter, music, and memories. Rosemary will be missed by so many, especially her family.

Services will be held at St. John Vianney Church, St. Petersburg Beach, Florida on Saturday August 22, 2026, at 11:00 with a full Mass.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Rosemary’s dedication to “Think globally, act locally”; we request donations be made to a local organization supporting community needs or supporting local artists and musicians.

Links:

Gulf Beaches Rotary Club- https://www.gulfbeachesrotary.com/

St Petersburg Free Clinic- https://thespfc.org/

Habitat for Humanity- https://www.habitat.org/

CASA- https://casapinellas.org/

Sleep in Heavenly Peace- https://shpbeds.org/

St Vincent DePaul Society- https://www.svdp.org/

All Children’s Hospital Foundation- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/

St John Vianney Catholic Church- https://www.sjvcc.org/