Obituary of Leona May Thompson

Leona May Thompson Altay: Leona "Gram, Granma, Big Momma" May Thompson 94, of Rock Stream, NY; passed away on Sunday June 14, 2015, at Schuyler Hospital with her family by her side. Calling hours will be from 5:00 – 7:00 pm Wednesday (June 17) at the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee; where her funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm with Pastor Chris Durham and Deacon Larry Dykes officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Dundee. Leona loved flowers which would be appreciated; those wishing may make memorial contributions to charity of their choice. Leona was born June 20, 1920 in Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Walter and Nettie Shelley Perigo. At the age of 14 she was a Press Operator for a laundry company in Corning, NY. She married the late Belmont Donald Thompson in 1937 and became a homemaker and worked in the vineyards for many years. Until her death she lived in the same house for 67 years with her son Douglas and where she raised her 7 children. When she became ill her daughter Donna was her primary caretaker. She enjoyed gardening, hunting, bird watching, vacationing, playing cards, fishing and family gatherings. She was an excellent cook and baker "she made the best fudge and fabulous mac-n-cheese in town". Every year in May she would go on vacation to Black Lake. Her most recent trip to Black lake was on May 9, 2014. Until recently on every Monday she made pies and played Bingo with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, where all had many laughs. She loved going out for dinner and ice cream with her son Doug; they were best buddies. She was a loving mother, grandmother and aunt who will be deeply missed by all. She is survived by 4 sons, and 3 daughters; Walter Jay (Ella) Thompson of Watkins Glen, NY, Arnold (Betty) Thompson, and Barb Dombroski both of Dundee, Norman (Katie) Thompson of Altay, Donna (Ed Cragg) Briggs, and Darlene (Sam) Rumsey all of Dundee, and Douglas Thompson with whom she made her home; 20 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; 32 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Belmont on July 13, 1980, brothers Loren Perigo of Painted Post, Edward Perigo of Watkings Glen, Leon Perigo of Elkland, Pa, a sister Norma Liller of Corning, a half-sister Betty Perigo, son in-law Joseph Dombroski of Dundee, great granddaughters Jennifer Teed of Watkins Glen, and Vera Dombroski of Dundee, and great grandson Richard S. Thompson of Dundee. "In 1971 Ma became my mother in- law and I hope I'm as good a mother in-law as she was all these years to me". Love Katie The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the nurses at Schuyler Hospital, Pastor Durham, and Larry Dykes. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.