Hermosa Beach’s Theresia Thompson helped fellow immigrants
Larry and Theresia Thompson in their backyard garden.
Long time Hermosa Beach resident and retired Easy Reader bookkeeper Theresia Thompson (nee Hafner) died peacefully at her home on Sunday. Thompson was born in the small Hungarian village of Szakadat on March 13, 1931. Displaced after World War II, Theresia married John Reviczky in a Hammelburg, Germany refugee camp. There she gave birth to two children, Julius and Maria. Thanks to Catholic War Relief Services, the family immigrated to the United States, ultimately settling in the Los Angeles area in 1952. She gave birth to a second daughter, Anita, two years later. Theresia divorced John in 1967 and found her soul mate Larry in 1969. They married later that same year. The marriage added to the family, two more daughters and a son from Larry’s prior marriage.
Thompson endured great hardships in her life but she never let this harden her heart or dampen her spirit. She was known to be an incredibly courageous woman. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and compassion for others. Thompson particularly sought out and helped recent immigrants to the United States, remembering how difficult the adjustment was for her those many years ago. Though her faith was tested many times, she remained true to her beliefs.
She is survived by her mother Theresia Hafner (age 100); her children Julius (JR) Reviczky, Maria Cracknell, Anita Reviczky Stoddard, Model Jaquez, Star Ashford, and Lance Thompson; 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Her husband, Larry, preceded her in death earlier in this year.
A rosary will be held Friday December 6 at 7 p.m. at AmericanMartyrsChurch. The funeral mass will be held Saturday, December 7 at 10 a.m. at American Martyrs with reception to follow. ER