The fiery, outspoken, impossible-to-ignore Wanda Lynn Thompson lost her struggle against cancer on the Fourth of July, 2024. When diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she was given a 5-year life expectancy, to which she replied “We’ll see about that”. Her strong will to control situations, which at times infuriated people, helped her exceed that prediction by living 9 years after the diagnosis. Born February 28, 1959, Wanda was the feisty younger daughter of Robert and Aurora (Dora) Lopez. Her girlhood in Southern California was one of foot races and water hose battles with neighborhood girlfriends, boogie boarding on hot summer days at the beach, and treks to the local schoolyard to swing among the clouds. When her parents relocated to Texas, she discovered her talent for singing, took voice lessons, and joined the school choir. Singing brought joy not only to herself but to others as well. She performed at weddings and various social events in the city of Houston, and she grew her love of classical music and opera majoring in Music at St. Thomas University, Houston, Texas. Several years later when she moved back to California, her focus shifted to a desire to help others in the field of mental health and earned a Psychology degree from Chapman University. She had an internship in a mental hospital and quickly realized it wasn’t for her. The psych degree came in handy when she entered the sales field and persuaded numerous large nationally known companies to advertise with her radio station employer. “She lit up every room she entered,” Rex describes his bride of 23 years. Both native Californians, each moved as children with their respective families to other states, then returned as adults many years later. A mutual colleague introduced them after that return and a short time later they became an inseparable couple sharing noon time meals, exploring San Diego on weekends, and attending church nearly every Sunday. On September 16, 2000, before family and friends, they exchanged vows and settled in Escondido. They traveled a bit – taking cruises to Mexico and Alaska, and visits to family in the Pacific Northwest and Arizona. At home, they enjoyed neighborhood walks, “The Great British Baking Show” and light-hearted comedies. Wanda loved Rex’s baking and he loved her blooming garden outside their front door. She called Rex “bunny” or “cookie” and he called her “Love Dove.” They shared a love that was genuine, gentle, and ever-lasting. Wanda’s struggle against cancer began in the early years of her parents’ long decline. Despite her own deteriorating health, she moved each of them several times, visited or called every day, and made sure the retirement home staff members cared well for them. Indeed, the nurses and caregivers snapped to attention when Wanda walked in! Her efforts succeeded as Bob and Dora lived long, comfortable lives under Wanda’s care. Her life was not totally consumed with caretaking, doctor visits, and long hours of treatment. There were quiet weekend getaways to Torrey Pines Lodge, icy mojitos in the afternoons on the patio at Jake’s Del Mar, sharing flakey pop-over rolls, and holding hands while listening to cool jazz on the shaded terrace of her favorite restaurant, Vintana’s, at sunset. She loved their trips to the hillside town of Julian where they spent the day exploring quaint cottage shops and chatting with fellow travelers by a cozy fire at night. And she loved dancing! When “Cool and the Gang” gave a live concert in the park, she grooved with fans to “Celebration”, she was joyful, unfettered by disease, and loving life. Her enduring legacy is the love and devotion she gave to her husband, family, and friends. Though her presence in our lives will be missed, memories of her kindness, selflessness, laughter, zest for life, and constant love for us will be in our hearts forever. Preceding her death are her parents Robert and Aurora Lopez. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Rex Thompson, her sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Dallas Chapman, niece Rachel Chapman, nephew Blake Chapman, cousins Pat Shoemaker, Corrine Hemesath, Renee Bradly, Rachelle Hilton, and Denise Devin Michele Bautista, and numerous friendships forged through the years. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to https://ovarian.org. A service will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Escondido on July 23rd, 2024 at 10:30.

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Wanda Thompson Obituary | White Rose Aqua Cremation Inc.