Betty Ann Thompson, 87 passed away April 22, 2023, at her home.

She was born on September 18, 1935, to Frank W. Smith and Catherine T. Smith (Galuuzo) in Claremont, NH. After Betty graduated from Charlestown High School she went onto secretarial school.

Betty was employed as an administrative secretary at various places, but most enjoyed her job working for the SAU #6 office of the Claremont School System.

In 1955 Betty married Harvey Hill and they raised three children together: Catherine, Bradley, and Scott, in Claremont and West Unity, NH. She was an incredible mother, encouraging her children to pursue their own paths. Betty was very involved in 4-H and a dedicated leader for years, a bookkeeper for Dan's Shoes, President of the Ladies Union Society in Claremont, and more, all while canning and freezing the many organic vegetables the family raised on their farm.

In 1988, Betty married James M Thompson (deceased in 2/2021). They enjoyed a life spent primarily in Sanibel & Fort Myers, Florida. While in Florida, Betty was a volunteer at Health Park Hospital, Sanibel Community Church, and the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ.

Betty and Jim had the wonderful opportunity to travel throughout the entire United States and Canada in their camper van. They enjoyed many trips to the Caribbean Islands, Europe, and river cruises in Germany, Czech Republic, and Hungary. Very often their trips and stops were spontaneous and resulted in memorable adventures and newfound friends.

In 2015 Betty and Jim returned to Charlestown NH as full-time residents. They attended the Charlestown Congregational Church. Betty was a committed volunteer within the church as a Trustee Committee member, a cook/server for dinners, and a devoted bookstore "helper". When not volunteering Betty could be found knitting, reading, and enjoying the many visits from her family.

What set Betty apart was her positive spirit. She maintained her bright smile through many medical events. She was a long-time cancer survivor, but more importantly, a 70 year survivor of Cobalt Therapy. Her emergency trach in 2005 didn't slow her down and she made the wearing of the trach "pretty" by accessorizing with beautiful satin ribbons!

She never stopped absorbing the love coming from those around her and she returned it in kind. One of her favorite things to do was to share kindness and generosity with others – from bringing donuts to the town highway crew, picking up the grocery tab for someone who looked to be in need, or sending assistance through a 3 ^rd party.

She cherished the warm embrace of friends and surrounded herself with conversations every day , especially with the girls ("The Ageless Wonders": Diane/Jo/Shirley). Family was so very important to her, and she welcomed every visit, announced or not, with open arms. She filled her home and those around her with warmth and kindness. She loved and was loved by all who met her. We will miss her greatly.

Betty shed her earthly pain and passed away on April 22, 2023, surrounded by the love she had nurtured all her life, with her daughter, son-in-law, and her faithful companion (Riley) by her side.

Betty was predeceased by her husband Jim (2021), her son Bradley (1986), and her brother Frank/Sonny (2018).

She is survived by her daughter Catherine (Bruce) Boedtker of Brownsville VT, son Scott (Cheryl) Hill of Paxton, MA, grandson Erik (Kelsey) Boedtker of Brownsville, VT and granddaughter Erika Hill of Austin, TX. Also surviving her is brother Dick Smith of Belgrade Lakes, ME., sister-in-law Carol (Frank) Smith of Keene, NH., and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at Hope Hill Cemetery in North Charlestown, NH on Friday, May 5 ^th at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Charlestown NH Food Shelf ( 19 Summer St, Charlestown, NH 03603 ) or the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society ( 4832 VT-44, West Windsor, VT 05089).