constance thompson

Constance Louise Bell Thompson, 91, a long-time resident of Weirton, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, December 22, 2023. For the past seven years, Connie had been a well cared for and much loved resident of Hope Cottage at Serra Manor.

Born on February 27, 1932,in Pittsburgh, Pa., Connie was the third of four children of the late Rosanna Catherine and Winfield Scott Bell.  Connie’s beloved brother, The Honorable John Frederick Bell (Janet), of Washington, Pa. survives her.  Her brother, Winfield Scott Bell, Jr., and her sister, Alida Jean Comko, predeceased her. Several nieces and nephews also survive with whom Connie always enjoyed spending time.

At a young age, Connie’s family moved to Fairmont, WV, where Connie graduated West Fairmont High. Shortly thereafter, while working in a doctor’s office, she met her future husband, Richard M. (Dick) Thompson, and the two were married in 1950.  Dick’s banking career took them to various locations in the Ohio Valley until they settled in Weirton in 1964.  They were married for thirty-seven years until Dick’s untimely death in 1987.

A faithful volunteer to her beloved Weirton community, Connie was a recognized 50-year volunteer for the Weirton Medical Center Auxiliary.  She was also a founding member of the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center.  Sharing her love of the Weirton area with museum visitors brought her much joy. Her additional volunteer efforts were as a member of the Weirton Women’s Club and numerous activities that supported the local hospital.  Before her failing health, she was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving as an elder.

Connie loved the game of golf and spent many happy days on the golf course at Williams Country Club with family and friends.  Although her high golf handicap rarely improved over her many years of play, her love of the game never waned as she was with her friends, the most important part of the game she often stated.

Playing bridge was her other great passion.  From ladies’ bridge to couples’ bridge clubs, those were her favorite times.  She entertained often in her home with bridge clubs, dinner parties or backyard gatherings with family and friends.  She took great pride and pleasure in entertaining.  In her later years, Connie was most often found on her front porch waving and chatting to all who walked by.  She loved her Palisades Drive neighborhood.

In addition to her brother, Connie will be remembered with love by her two children, Richard S. Thompson of Houston, Texas and Jane T. Coyle (Thomas) of Charlotte, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Thomas C. G. Coyle, III (Annemarie) of Charlotte, Kate T. Tankersley (Justin) of Houston, Richard Tully Coyle (Ilena) of Charlotte, and Virginia Catherine DeWitt (Brendan) of Denver, Colorado; seven great-grandchildren, Adelaide Bell DeWitt, Georgia Marie Tankersley, Thomas C.G. Coyle, IV, McAllen Christopher DeWitt, Marion Jane Coyle, Charlotte Elsas Coyle, and Josephine Louise Coyle.

Connie Lou was loved by all and will be dearly missed.

Private funeral services will be held at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton.

The Thompson family is thankful to the staff at Hope Cottage for the tender care and attention given to Connie in her last years: Rhonda Quattrochi, Stephanie Zagula, Doreen Prevost and others –angels all.

Memorials, if one so chooses, may be made to The Serra Foundation 2525 Pennsylvania Avenue Weirton, WV 26062 or to Valley Hospice valleyhospice.org or to the organization that is special to your heart.

Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com

Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Constance L. "Connie" Bell Thompson 's name.

The Serra Foundation

2525 Pensylvania Avenue

Weirton,

WV

26062

(304) 723-4300

Valley Hospice

10686 State Route 150

Rayland,

OH

43943

877 467 7423

www.valleyhospice.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Candle Selection 1I had the pleasure of taking care of Connie a few years before her going to Serra manor . She was such a pleasure to be around and her dog Sadie … She was so down to earth and was one of a kind.! I also took care of Jim Fenske who she loved dearly. She will be deeply missed.
    I would just stop by sometimes in the summer and just talk on the porch with her.. she was so interesting and cracked me up with what she would say. Rest in peace..

    • Mary Lou, Thanks for reaching out and also thanks for all you did to help my mother in her failing years. I remember your love of dogs and your help with placing her beloved Sadie. Hope all is well with you.

  2. Candle Selection 8So True … Just like her Obituary reads … Connie was that (Lighthouse) in
    “Real Life” … She was a “Bright Ray” to all that crossed roads with her and
    kept the show going at any gathering … Memories that will last forever at
    home in Weirton WV. and elsewhere … RIP Connie (Lou)

  3. She was such a joy. I can still see her laughing. God bless her. My sincere condolences.
    Linda Drakos Metcalfe

    • Mrs. Metcalfe, Her laugh will be remembered for a while. It was infectious. Thanks so much for remembering her.

  4. Candle Selection 2She was so much fun and do kind to Jane’s friends in high-school -so many fond memories.So glad she us with her Richard.

    • Hi Tina, So nice of you to reach out and have such nice memories of my mother. I remember the many times we spent at your home and how welcoming your parents always were to us as well. Those were the days. I hope all is well with your family and again, thank you.

  5. Dear Jane, Rich and family, Never a dull moment when it came to helping your mom and Jim! Always loved how she would call him in the morning and he would answer “ Jim’s coffee house” and she would ask him “ where’s my coffee?” Rain or shine the coffee was delivered. They took care of each other the best they could and I loved watching the subtle devotion. She didn’t know a stranger and had an eternal smile. I pray she was happy to the end. So grateful to have known your family. God bless you all, Cathy Arango

  6. I was raised across the street from the Thompsons, we also attended the same church, and Lynne and I raised our own family just a couple blocks up the street.

    Particularly at this time of year, our family and the Thompsons often got together. Our home caught fire just before Christmas Eve one year and we spent the evening at the Thompson’s house watching firefighters working in and out of our home. Mrs. Thompson (she was always “Mrs. Thompson”) and family took the four of us Shroads kids in and kept us calm while waiting for my grandparents to drive to Weirton.

    Our deepest condolences to Richard and Jane and their families. She was a wonderful lady with an infectious laugh and constant smile who had a tremendous effect on my family that has spanned generations.

    • David, Thanks so much for such kind words regarding my mother. Our families were very entwined in our childhoods. I remember the night of the fire like it was yesterday. So wonderful to hear my mother made you and your siblings feel safe. What a lovely thing to share at this time. Rich and I thank you for that. My best to your family.

  7. On behalf of the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center – Thanks to the family of Mrs. Thompson. I am a working member of the museum, we love what we do and we do it for Weirton and the tri-state area. Our condolences to the family!

    • Mrs. Mayerich, Thanks for being such a good friend to my mother over the years. She always enjoyed your company. Hope all is well with you.

    • Dr. DeCaria, Thank you for reaching out at this time. You and your family were wonderful neighbors and friends to my parents. My best to your family.

  8. Connie,
    We first met in 1971
    You were so kind . There was never a time throughout the years that whenever we saw each other we could talk forever.
    You would always introduce me and say”she should have been my daughter in law! “
    I loved you so much Connie.
    It truly was a blessing knowing you ❤️ Yes
    May God surround her family with His Love and Peace during this difficult time.

  9. Candle Selection 5Mrs Thompson was an elegant woman & kind woman. May her spirit live on thru the cherished memories created & time shared.

  10. Becky, How nice of you to remember my mother. I remember all the fun times we shared at each others homes. Your cousin, Tawny, helped my mother these past few years at Hope Cottage with activities and tender care. We made the connection on one of my visits home. Hope all is well with you and again, many thanks for your kind words.


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