Maplewood - South Orange to Remember Ann Thompson

The following is from the family of Ann Thompson:

We are sad to convey that Ann Thompson of Maplewood died suddenly on Thursday, November 29, 2012.  Ann was the wife of Steven Thompson and devoted mother of Samantha, a sophomore at Loyola University of Maryland; Andrew, a first-year student at Columbia High School; and Connor Thompson, a 6th-grader at Maplewood Middle School.  Ann was the daughter of Diane Kischell and the late Richard Kischell, and the sister of Robert Kischell, both of Connecticut. 

Ann graduated from Drew University, Madison, NJ in 1982 with majors in German and Mathematics.  She began her 24-year career with Deutsche Bank as a clerk in the Trade Finance Department and moved up the ranks to her position as a well-respected AVP in the Global Trade Finance department.   

Ann was an active supporter of youth soccer programs in Maplewood/South Orange for both South Mountain and Cougar Soccer programs.  

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Memorial Service at  St. George's Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood on Friday, December 7th at 1pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ann Thompson Family Benefit Trust c/o Rubenstein, Marucci & Shinrod, llc, 70 South Orange Ave. Suite 215, Livingston, NJ 07039.

On Friday, Maplewood Middle School principal Jeffrey Truppo sent the following email to parents:

Dear Maplewood Middle School Community Member,

As a community, we experience both joy and sorrow.  Today I share with you the sad news that a Maplewood Middle School 6th grade parent died suddenly yesterday.  Those closest to the family are seeking ways to support them and help with their current and future needs, but such an event affects us all.  Today, during the afternoon classes of all 6th graders, school counselors spent time discussing the passing of a parent, reassuring them that this is a very infrequent happening.  Counselors discussed the feelings that all humans share at sad times such as this, and things that can be said when their friend and classmate returns to school.     

This can be a difficult topic to address with children, particularly as we try to cope with our own feelings and reactions.  It may help to read about children’s grief reactions and suggestions for how to talk to you child.  Here are two sources that others have found very helpful.  You can visit www.rainbows.org andwww.good-grief.org  to review their tips for talking to children about death and loss.  We also have hard copies of the same handouts if you would like to pick them up from the MMS Guidance Department.  Our school counselors are available if your child or you would like to discuss feelings that have come up as a result of this most recent incident.  Should the need arise, please contact our school counselors at973.378.7660, x.3030.

Sincerely,

Jeff Truppo

Principal

Maplewood Middle School