Donna Jean Thompson

Donna Jean Thompson, 77, of Sebring, Ohio (formerly of Alliance), passed away Thursday, June 2, 2022, at Crandall Medical Center following a brief illness. Born May 7, 1945, in Gary Indiana, the daughter of the late Alice and James K. Thompson. Graduate of Merrillville High School, class of 1963. A long-time medical practice manager in suburban Washington, D.C., she moved to Alliance, Ohio, when the Cat Fanciers Association relocated there, and retired as its Executive Director.

Along with her mother Alice, Donna Jean bred and exhibited exquisite Persian Cats under the cattery prefix, Jeanell. She was also a renowned all-breed judge of CFA cat shows for over 40 years and served the association as a member of the CFA Board of Directors during which time she was appointed Judging Program Administrator. The judges she mentored through the training program received her guidance and direction in a firm yet positive way, leaving a legacy of well-trained judges for CFA who recall her as a valuable instructor. Donna Jean was active with the esteemed National Capital Cat Show for many years, and co-chaired the memorable CFA Annual Meeting in Reston, Virginia, in 2011.

Donna Jean was also a member of the Alliance First Presbyterian Church and East Stroudsburg, PA, Chapter #60, Order of Eastern Star.

She is survived by many friends in her cat fancy family, which include her dearest friends Beth Holly and Linda Peterson. She is also survived by her friends at Copeland Oaks in Sebring, where she had made her home these past few years.

Donna Jean was preceded in death by her parents and her brother James. Honoring her wishes, she will be inurned with her family in the Calumet Park Cemetery in Gary, Indiana. A memorial service to honor her memory and celebrate her life will follow later this summer in Alliance, Ohio.

HOSKINSON Funeral and Cremation Service, Kirkersville, is honored to care for Donna Jean. Please log onto hoskinsonfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence for her friends.