Lisa M. Thompson

1965-2013 Lisa Thompson, age 47, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 30, 2013, with her family by her side at her home in Belen, New Mexico. Lisa was born in Socorro to Lawrence Romero and Hazel Chavez. Her father was the former Sheriff of Valencia County, and current Valencia County Commissioner. Lisa grew up in Belen and graduated from Belen High School, class of ‘83. She met the love of her life, Mike Thompson on June 7, 1980, and the two instantly became best friends; it was the beginning of an epic love story. The two married on September 28, 1984 and began their great adventure, living in Hawaii, California, New Mexico and Japan. Lisa quickly adapted to Marine Corps life and was soon reaching out to other military spouses. Throughout her 24+ years as a military spouse, she was very active in volunteering. She was awarded Military Volunteer of the Year by the Governor of California in 2000. Lisa’s life radically changed when she responded to God’s calling in her life. Lisa matured quickly in her faith, becoming a Bible study fanatic. Lisa’s life was marked by service; gifted in hospitality, and passionate about spreading the Gospel. Deeply involved in ministries, she served as the Director of Women’s Ministry and Bible study leader. Lisa organized several meals programs, taking food and the love of Jesus to people in need. In 2003, the Thompson family received military orders to Okinawa, Japan. During this time, Lisa continued her involvement in ministry through the Harbor, a Cadence Hospitality House. When Mike retired from the Marine Corps, they knew they were called to a full time ministry of their own. Soon they became missionaries with Cadence International, and re-opened the Hansen Christian Center (HCC) in Northern Okinawa. Through the course of 10 years in the ministry, Lisa ministered to countless young service members, and their families; leaving a lasting impact on all those who entered through her door. At HCC, Lisa quickly became a second mother to many in the military community. She was well known for her quick wit, wisdom, loving kindness, and excellent cooking. Always passionate for justice, Lisa supported Compassion International and International Justice Mission; organizations that protect children, and fight slavery and poverty. Lisa was also an avid animal lover; always having very spoiled dogs. Lisa and Mike moved back to New Mexico in 2013 to be near family in her final days. Lisa used her diagnosis of cancer to minister to everyone she encountered. In the midst of a difficult trial, her faith in the Lord strengthened as she often quoted one of her favorite scriptures, Romans 8:28, “And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.” Her faith in God was an encouragement to all who knew her. Lisa once said “I wish everyone I knew could taste and see how good God is.” She was preceded in death by her brother, Lawrence Romero Jr. Lisa is survived by her best friend and husband, Mike Thompson; her daughter, Jessica Safley, and her son-in-law, Kenneth Safley; mother, Hazel Chavez and husband, Dennis; father, Lawrence Romero and wife, Carol; brother, Patrick Baldonado; sister, Elizabeth Lawren Romero; and step-sisters, Leona and Denise Chavez. A Visitation will be held at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley, on Saturday, August 10, at 10:30 a.m. with a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: International Justice Mission, PO Box 96961, Washington, DC 20090-6961 IJM.org or Cadence International, PO Box 1268 Englewood, Colorado 80150 Cadence.org Please visit Lisa’s web site: www.hansenchristiancenter.com Sign, Lisa's online register book at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com

Lisa M. Thompson

August 27, 1965 - July 30, 2013