Rosemary Elaine Thompson

Rosemary Elaine (Young) Thompson, 79, of San Antonio, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on May 4, 2026, at Brooke Army Medical Center. Born on January 23, 1947, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, she was the cherished only child of Joseph “Joe” Young and “Cricket” (Cline) Young.

At the time of her birth, Rosemary’s parents were stationed in San Antonio. Her grandmother, Mama Georgia, wanted her youngest to have her first child where she could be there to help, so the family made the trip north so Rosemary could be born with her grandmother’s loving assistance. She was especially close with her father, a Command Sergeant Major at Brooke Army Medical Center, who adored his daughter completely — though he wasn’t quite ready for his little girl to grow up. (Family lore still laughs about the time he gently scolded her for wearing makeup during a teen square dance performance.) Her mother earned the nickname “Cricket” when a relative saw her wiggling in her crib as a baby, and the name stuck for life.

Rosemary attended Highlands High School in San Antonio, where she was a cheerleader, one year younger than most of her classmates after skipping a grade. Thanks to her father’s football coaching, she made sure the squad never cheered “First and ten, do it again!” on a loss. She later graduated from Texas State University (then Southwest Texas State College), taking classes year-round so she could finish faster and diving into the famous Manske Rolls just off campus whenever she needed a treat.

Teaching was always her calling. She began in Luling and soon moved on to teach 8th-grade English at Kirby Junior High School. She was personally invited by her department head, William Parsons, to help open the Gray Campus of Judson High School. He was appointed as the first principal at the new school and wanted her as part of his business department. She started with Typing and Record Keeping, then moved into computers—Excel, PowerPoint, and Word—retiring in 2004 after a career that touched countless lives. She was known as strict but fair, and former students would still light up when they saw her in public. One memorable encounter ended with a young girl thanking her for failing her—because that “wake-up call” helped her turn her life around.

Rosemary’s love story with John Thompson began in 1959 at a March of Dimes square dance in Dallas. She was dancing with the Texas Starlets; he was one of only three teen dancers from Dallas. Her dad once again wasn’t thrilled about the makeup. Their paths crossed again in the San Antonio square dance community after John was assigned to San Antonio. They reconnected (both divorced) in 1978, and on March 16, 1980, they married at Windcrest United Methodist Church. John even wrote “For a tight knot” on the check for the pastor and sang “If” by Bread to her during the ceremony—a song their daughter-in-law Emilie will perform at the Celebration of Life.

Life together was full and lively. While John spent a year remote at Shemya, Alaska, Rosemary juggled teaching full-time, shuttling kids to three different sports, running the household, and even teaching shorthand at night for NEISD. Through it all, she kept her smile and her sense of humor. The couple shared a deep love of square dancing, round dancing, and clogging for decades. Both her father and John were callers—Joe for the Air Force base club (even though he was retired Army) and John (then active duty Air Force) for the Fifth US Army's official Square Dance club on Ft Sam Houston. It was a special family connection.

Rosemary was introduced to Bunco by her parents and stayed hooked for over 50 years. She started two clubs, played in two others, and remained part of the original group her parents began. She was a tenacious opponent and loved any reason for family and friends to gather.

Rosemary was a devoted member of Windcrest United Methodist Church. An avid sports fan, she cheered for the Cowboys, Spurs, and Longhorns.Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She had a quiet, thoughtful kindness that touched everyone around her — always making sure the non-celebrating sibling received a small gift on the other child’s birthday so no one ever felt left out.

Shortly after the loss of his beloved “Cricket” in March of 2003, Rosemary’s father Joe came to live with them. John cared for him during the day until Rosemary retired in 2004, at which point she lovingly took over as his full-time caregiver. She devoted herself to his care with great tenderness and joy until his passing in January 2008.

Rosemary is survived by: Her loving husband of 46 years, John Thompson ,Daughter: Amy Bupp and husband Jeff, Granddaughter Ashley McAdow and husband Blake, with great-grandchildren Jace and Julia, Granddaughter Alyssa Montgomery and husband Chandler, with great-granddaughter Madison, Son: Jack Fennell and wife Emilie, Granddaughter Sophi, Grandson Joe, Step-daughter Michelle Weller and Granddaughter Viktoria.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the entire staff at Brooke Army Medical Center for their outstanding professionalism, compassion, and care during Rosemary’s final days. Special thanks also to Puente & Sons Funeral Chapels for their kindness and support.

In leiu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rosemary’s memory to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

Rosemary greeted everyone with a warm smile and a friendly heart. She was a steadfast supporter of her family and friends, a beloved teacher, a passionate dancer, and the heart of every gathering. She will be deeply missed, but her smile, her strength, and her love will live on in every story told, every hug given, and every life she touched.