Margaret Ann Thompson, 75, of Rome, NY, passed away unexpectedly on January 10, 2026. Born December 26, 1950, to the late Cecil Riley and Marion Riley Hall, Margaret graduated from Canastota High School and drove for Birnie Bus in Rome. She married Larry M. Thompson on May 12, 1984, and they shared many blessed years together.

Margaret was a talented artist; she paid close attention to detail and created many beautiful works. She loved animals and enjoyed any time spent with them; a cat in her lap or a dog by her side, she was happiest with a furry friend. She also enjoyed listening to the oldies, especially Eric Clapton. Margaret was a caregiver to her core; she spotted a need and made sure to address it. She was a listening ear, offered kind advice, and was a true friend to all. Her kindness will be greatly missed.

Margaret was an excellent cook, particularly famous for her pancakes and greens. She was known for a wide variety of foods. As a caretaker, one of her favorite ways to care for her friends and family was to cook for them. She spent hours in the kitchen, enjoying the conversations and laughs shared around her table. Never wanting to miss a moment or a memory, Margaret made sure to capture them by keeping her camera ready. Margaret was an expert QVC shopper and never missed a deal of the day, often using them when planning for birthdays and holidays.

Margaret had many gifts, talents, and roles in her lifetime, but the greatest of all was her role as a mother and, later in life, as a grandmother. She was happiest with a baby, toddler, or child to love. She enjoyed all the ages of her children and grandchildren as they grew up. She was also a member of Conquest Christian Center in Canastota, where she enjoyed fellowship with her church family. Maragaret was a member of both the American Legion Post 24 of Rome and the VFW of Rome Ladies Auxiliary.

Margaret is survived by her husband, Larry Thompson; sons and stepsons Douglas Sweat of AR, Charles (Britney) Chester of FL, Darryl and Direk Dantzler of Rome; daughters Nicole Chester of FL, Jolanda Sweat of AR, Sierra (Mark) Nowak of NC; stepdaughter Rene (Cornelius) Robinson; brothers Cecil Riley Jr. and Terrance Riley of FL, Anthony (Kristi) Riley of Canastota; sisters Gayle (José) Riley-Lopez, Antoniette (David) Riley-Grenga, Lisa Riley, all of Canastota, and Cecelia Mathis of FL; many grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and many neighborhood friends.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Rd. Rome, NY, from 10:00-1:00 PM.  A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM with Charles Motley officiating.  Burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.