University community mourns Arts and Sciences staff member Erin Thompson

The Ohio University community mourns the passing of College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Office Executive Assistant Erin Thompson, who passed away on Jan. 13 in the company of her husband, Linguistics Professor Christopher Thompson, following a health emergency.

"Erin was our beloved friend and colleague in the College of Arts and Sciences. I am so grateful that I was able to get to know her and work closely with her in the Dean’s Office. She was extremely smart, funny and capable. It didn’t matter if she was working on graduation clearances or curriculum issues or helping prepare for a college event, she was always ready to listen, problem solve, and pitch-in," said Sarah Poggione, interim dean of the college.

"Erin was also one of the kindest people I have ever met. She made Wilson Hall a warm and friendly place for everyone who worked here or visited with us, and we will miss her very much," Poggione said.

Erin Thompson grew-up in Ridgewood, N.J., and was a resident of Athens since 1998. Before joining the College of Arts and Sciences, she held two other positions at OHIO and served as office manager at Athens First United Methodist Church from 1999-2009, according to her obituary. She was a lifelong Methodist and also played in the bell choir.

"In my capacity as associate dean for graduate studies, I worked very closely with Erin for some time. I was always impressed by how conscientious she was in helping graduate students navigate the many forms required by the college and requirements for graduation. She always had the students' best interests in mind. She was truly a helpful and compassionate colleague. We will miss her immensely. On a more personal note, we discovered at one point that we grew up less than 10 miles apart and shared many stories about growing up in Bergen County, New Jersey," said Brian McCarthy, senior associate dean.

“As a new member of the dean’s office, I had the good fortune that my office was right next to Erin. She made me feel at home there. She will be remembered for her kindness to all. I particularly appreciated her willingness to collaborate on numerous projects this year. In our work together, she was always looking to make our processes easier for students and faculty,” noted Morgan Vis, associate dean.

"Erin was one of the most gentle people I have ever known. She was also brilliant, funny, and ready to help everyone. We continue to receive notes from colleagues university-wide about how much of an impact Erin had on their lives. She brightened up our lives every day with her smile and warm conversations," said Nukhet Sandal, associate dean.

"We talked a lot about family, Japan, and one of both our favorite cities in the world, New York City. She was very committed to her family, and she always made sure that people around her were well-cared for. We are already missing her dearly and she will always be part of the Arts and Sciences family," Sandal said.

Friend and neighbor Margie Huber said, "Erin was beautiful on the inside and out. She was a wonderful friend and neighbor for many years. Our kids grew up together." Huber is executive assistant in the Honors Tutorial College.

"Erin was a much-loved member of the Academics Unit and served as liaison to the Dean’s Office. The Academics Unit, part of the College of Arts and Sciences business service center, collaborated with Erin on graduate program and scholarship support," said Business Manager Connie Pollard. "I was Erin’s supervisor. She was feisty and fun and had the most wonderful wicked laugh. We miss her so much."

Chris and Erin Thompson had just celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary on Dec. 30. The Thompsons tragically lost their 26-year old-son in 2020 and set up the Wesley Lawrance Thompson Memorial Scholarship in his honor. If people want to make a gift to the Wesley Lawrance Thompson Memorial Scholarship, any gift received before June 30, 2024 will receive a 50 percent match from Ohio University.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Erin Thompson's honor at the Athens First United Methodist Church on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m.