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Nona Josephine Thompson

July 16th, 1938 - August 6th, 2024
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Obituary of Nona Thompson

It is with great sadness that the family of Nona Thompson announces her passing on August 6, 2024, at the age of 86. Nona was a formidable and inspiring woman whose life was filled with meaningful achievements and genuine care for others. Born in 1938, her life was a testament to the power of education, community service, and deep love for family. Her journey was one of dedication, resilience, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around her.

Nona is survived by her sons Lance (Lisa) and Deane (Sue), her grandsons Connor (Arden), Corey, and Michael; her sister Sherry (Jim); brother Randy (Sheryl); nephew Jamie (Ken); niece Verda (Steve); grandnieces Danika (Mike) and Jamie (Mike); great-grandnephews Fergus and Larkin; and a large extended family of former students and friends from around the world. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her, and her contributions to education and the community will continue to inspire future generations.

Early Years and Education

Nona’s early years were spent in the interior of BC, where she developed a love for learning that would shape her entire life. After completing high school, Nona attended the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she earned her teaching degree. Her passion for education led her to teach in various communities across BC, including Sechelt and Nanaimo. During these early teaching years, Nona discovered her calling—helping students overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Nona’s commitment to education extended beyond her initial teaching degree. She pursued a Master of Education from UBC, further deepening her expertise in the field. This advanced degree allowed her to emerge as a leader in education, where she developed innovative teaching methods and made significant contributions to the Learning Disabilities Association. Her dedication to professional growth inspired countless colleagues and students, solidifying her reputation as an authority in her field.

Step-Up School

Nona had an unwavering belief in the potential of every child. In 1972, Nona co-founded Step-Up School, the first alternative program in Canada for youth on probation, with the support of local probation officers and the Vancouver School Board. Initially located on 4th Avenue, the school provided a safe and supportive environment for students with severe behavioral disorders, teaching them essential skills such as reading, writing, and math. As the Head Teacher, Nona led a dedicated team of educators and volunteers who transformed the lives of countless students.

Professional Achievements and Community Involvement

Nona became a pioneer in the field of learning disabilities, co-founding the Richmond branch of the Learning Disabilities Association of British Columbia. Her work in this area was groundbreaking, and she dedicated herself to helping children with learning challenges achieve academic success. Nona tutored students of all ages, from kindergarten through high school, providing them with the tools they needed to thrive. In addition to her work with the Learning Disabilities Association, Nona was actively involved in her community. While living in Corvallis, Oregon, she taught cooking classes and contributed to the local newspaper. Her talents and passion for teaching knew no bounds. Nona’s dedication to education and community service did not end with her retirement. She continued to be a lifelong learner and community advocate, serving on various boards, including the Kitsilano Community Centre Association Board and the BC Learning Disabilities Association. Her volunteer work touched countless lives, and she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Award for Volunteering in 2022 in recognition of her many contributions.

Homestay and the Kerrisdale House

In 1981, Nona embarked on a new chapter in her life when she became an International Homestay mother. She hosted students from around the world, providing them with a safe and welcoming home while they pursued their studies in Vancouver. Nona’s home became a multicultural hub where students from over 50 different countries learned English, cooked meals from their native cuisines, and shared their cultures with one another.

Nona’s experience as a Homestay mother led her to become involved with the Mokuyokai Society, where she served as Vice President. She helped organize events like Japan Day at UBC, fostering cross-cultural understanding and friendships. Her home was always filled with laughter, learning, and the warmth of international friendships. Nona’s hosting career spanned 40 years, during which she welcomed more than 1,500 students into her home.

Family and Legacy

Nona was a devoted grandmother (Nana) and cherished every moment spent with her grandsons, Connor and Corey, who were a special joy in her life. She played an active role in their lives, taking them on countless adventures—from Canucks hockey games to museums—and sharing her love of learning, reading, and exploration. She taught them to read and play memory and board games, including chess and mahjong. She also instilled in them an appreciation for the arts. She took them to Science World, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, and on trips to Victoria, where they enjoyed High Tea and explored the Royal BC Museum, among many other adventures. Nona’s influence on her grandsons was profound, and they, in turn, became a source of pride and happiness for her.

A Life Well Lived

Nona Thompson’s life was one of purpose, passion, and profound impact. She touched the lives of thousands of students, friends, and family members with her wisdom and generosity. Her legacy lives on in the countless individuals she mentored, taught, and inspired. Nona will be remembered as a caring mother, grandmother, educator, and community leader who made the world a better place through her tireless efforts.

There will be no service at her request. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Parkinson’s Research:

https://www.parkinson.ca

https://give.ubc.ca/projects/brain-health/


Tributes

UBC English Language Institute
February 10th, 2025
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Nona was one of our most treasured and long-term hosts and we were lucky to have her in our program. Her enthusiasm and loving care of our students made such a difference for those students lucky enough to be placed in her home. We are grateful to have known her. She will be missed!

Heike Brandstatter
December 21st, 2024

Nona was truly a remarkable woman. I was fortunate enough to be amongst the first of her students to reside at her Kerrisdale home while attending UBC. Many, many more students from all over the world were to follow. I will never forget her kindness, generosity, compassion, determination and energy. Nona was a pioneer in every way and was a force to be reckoned with. She was a fierce protector and fighter for those looking to find their path and a shepherd to those needing shelter.

I often reflect back on those amazing years spent in her home with her family, friends and students from all over the world. Sitting around her dining room table sharing laughter and stories. Nona helped me in finding my way, she was my friend. Life takes us in different directions and the years pass but Nona you will never be forgotten and hold a special place in my heart.

A life well lived, rest now in peace.

John Mobbs
September 12th, 2024

Nona was very kind to me when I was a new student at UBC. I would often go out to Richmond for a visit away from the campus life. I've enjoyed her many posts in the fbk years. Rest in peace Nona.

GUSTAVO COSTA
September 5th, 2024

Nona was a one of a kind person! She was the living proof that is possible to change the world starting with only one person: yourself. To do that she acquired enormous courage to overcome all the obstacles that live presented to her. She was always watchful to everyone.

I had the opportunity to live with her for nine unforgettable months when I was 21 years old. I helped her driving students from the airport. I helped her to buy the groceries to feed the eight other students that were living in the house at that time. I spent lots of time cooking with her in the kitchen. I gave mathematics classes in Step-Up. I had the opportunity to build another room for students in her garage!!! I had the opportunity to spend the Christmas at Sherry’s. I had the opportunity to see the Canucks hockey games with her many times. I had the opportunity to stay talking to her almost every night after dinner helping her to put together all kinds of puzzles. I had the opportunity to have her as my godmother…

She changed my live completely…

I had the opportunity to live closely to a one a kind loving being…

NONA, you still live in my memories…

Rafael Vechiato
September 4th, 2024
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I will always be thankful for meeting Nona and so many students in her home at Kerrisdale. When I stepped up for the first time there, she told me I would never leave and from that time until my last day in Vancouver, I stood by her side. It was a honor my homestay mom. You will remembered with love and joy.
From your #1082 student,
Rafa

Daniel Corvera
September 3rd, 2024

I was the student #1048 if I am not wrong. Taught me about hockey passion and so many Canadian way of living. She is one of a kind. Thank you for all

Annette Whitehead
August 27th, 2024

She was a wonderful person I will miss her very much I visit her a week before with Eliz and her husband and Rho. She was a person you could talk if you need someone to lead on.

Rosalba (Rho) Tuttle
August 27th, 2024

Gone but not forgotten.
Rest in peace, Nona

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