October 4, 1947 – July 24, 2026
Linda L. Thompson, 78, of Salamanca, New York, passed away Friday morning, July 24, 2026, at Olean General Hospital.
Born October 4, 1947, in Salamanca, Linda was the daughter of the late Sylvester and Frances (Young) Magiera. She graduated from Salamanca High School with the Class of 1965, earned her bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State College in 1969, and later received her master’s degree in education and guidance from St. Bonaventure University.
On November 7, 1975, Linda married William J. “Bill” Thompson at St. Patrick’s Church in Salamanca. He predeceased her in 2009.
For more than four decades, Linda taught sixth grade in the Salamanca City Central School District before retiring in 2011. Teaching was far more than a profession to Linda—it was one of the defining commitments of her life. She cared deeply for her students, valued the friendships she formed with her colleagues, and always believed that her students were the very best.
Her dedication to children continued well beyond the classroom. Linda was an active member of the Salamanca Kiwanis Club, supporting projects that benefited local students and children throughout the community. Her commitment and service were recognized by her fellow Kiwanians. She and Bill were also devoted members of St. Patrick’s Parish, now part of Our Lady of Peace Parish, contributing their time and service to the church for many years.
Linda remained deeply involved in the Salamanca community throughout her life. She belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma Society, the Salamanca Teachers Association, AARP, and the Salamanca Senior Center, and volunteered with the Community Action soup kitchen. She enjoyed trips to the casino to play bingo and, especially, sharing coffee with “the girls.” Most of all, she enjoyed helping others and spending time with the people she cared about.
Above all, Linda was a devoted mother and a proud grandmother. She spent her life looking out for children—as a teacher, through her community service, and always within her own family. She will be remembered for her generosity, her sense of humor, her steadfast devotion to those she loved, and the lasting influence she had on generations of Salamanca students.
Linda was especially grateful for the friendship and support of her sister-in-law, Janice “Cookie” Magiera, with whom she spoke nearly every day for many years. She was also deeply grateful to Larry and Connie Whitcomb and Bonnie Schmick, whose extraordinary kindness and support helped her remain in the home she loved for as long as possible.
Linda is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Kate Thompson of Pacific Palisades, California; her two grandchildren, Dylan and Jack Thompson; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ed and Michelle Thompson; her sisters-in-law, Gail Thompson and Janice “Cookie” Magiera; her niece, Holly Magiera of Florida; and her nephews, Brian Magiera of Florida and Stan Thompson of West Virginia.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her three brothers, Robert Magiera, Terry Magiera, and John Magiera; and her cousin, Harry Magiera.
Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York, on Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 1 – 4pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 274 Broad Street, Salamanca, on Friday at 9:30am with Rev. John Trela as celebrant.
Entombment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum in Salamanca.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salamanca Kiwanis Club in recognition of Linda’s lifelong commitment to children.
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