Elma Rozanna Thompson was born to Herbert Moss and Vida Nelson on April 12, 1924 on the island of Roatan, Spanish Honduras.
When Elma was twelve, she and Miss Vida and her sister immigrated to Stann Creek, British Honduras (present day Dangriga, Belize) because Miss Vida thought her children would get a better education there. Elma excelled in school and trained to be a nurse.
As a young woman “Nurse Moss” ran a rural clinic up in the valley and served as a midwife for the local people, while supporting her mother and her son Victor Stephenson.
In the late 50’s Elma immigrated to the United States, joining her Aunt Rox on Home St. in the South Bronx. Despite her rigorous training and experience, Elma had to start all over again in New York, first finding work as a home health aide while taking classes to earn her R.N. Elma worked many years at Montefiore Hospital, mostly in the pediatric outpatient department. Also at Montefiore, Elma met Samuel Thompson; they were married in 1964.
After Hurricane Hattie devastated Stann Creek, Elma brought Miss Vida and Victor to join her and Sam in New York. In 1972 they were among the first families to move into the newly built Co-op City. Elma lived in that same apartment, with a lovely view of a tidal inlet, the rest of her life. Elma and Sam built a house in Evington, Virginia near Sam’s family. They enjoyed splitting their time between New York and Virginia for many years.
Mrs. Elma Thompson lived a long and productive life. She cared about, and cared for, the people she loved. She leaves behind to mourn and honor her memory her grandson Clayton Stephenson, niece Marie Thompson, daughter-in-law Yue Ping Bo, “daughter-in-law” Irene Buszko, and a host of nieces, nephews and good friends.
Visiting will be Tuesday, April 21 from 10am to 12pm at John Dormi & Sons Funeral Home, 1121 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, 304 Lexington Avenue, Mount Kisco.