Janis Pearl Thompson

     Janis P. Thompson, 82, of Roaring Spring, passed away on March 10, 2026, at Homewood Living in Martinsburg, finally freed from a long and heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer’s. Born in Roaring Spring to the late Ray and Pearl (Burket) McNally, Janis spent her life defying expectations and carving her own path.

     On September 19, 1964, she married the love of her life, Thomas R. Thompson, who survives her, along with their children Heidi (husband Loy) Kreider of Roaring Spring and Cornell (wife Jill) Thompson of Martinsburg. Janis was the proud “Nanny” of Abby (husband Noah) Krehl, Adam (wife Samantha) Kreider, Kara (fiancé Jake Shepherd) Thompson, Aaron (partner Jaye Ratio) Kreider, and Kaitlyn Thompson, and great-grandmother to Kit, Nora, Baker, Calvin, and Lyndel. She was preceded in death by her sister, D. Eileen McNally.

     A 1961 graduate of Central High School’s first graduating class, Janis was the first student ever to walk across its’ stage, a fitting symbol of the trailblazing life she would lead. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Nursing from St. Joseph’s College of Maine and later became a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner at the University of Pittsburgh in 1981, completing her degrees while raising her family - something rare for women of her time.

     Janis built a respected career working at Nason Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital, KB England Physician Practice, Cardiology Associates of Altoona, and ultimately the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, where she cared for veterans with determination and heart. At the Altoona VA, she established a women’s care program, ensuring female veterans received the specialized support they deserved. It was just one of the many ways she quietly changed the world around her.

     Fiercely hardworking, resilient, stubborn, and fiery, Janis took up space in a man’s world long before it was easy or accessible to do so. She was a member of the Roaring Spring First Church of the Brethren and spent more than 53 years with her beloved card club - turned lifelong friends. She loved gardening, cross‑stitching, sewing, quilting, and spending time going to every event, show, or sport her grandchildren participated in.

     Her family will honor Janis for the rest of their lives in the little ways she taught them to: by spending time outside, by shopping with confidence for whatever brings joy, and by speaking their minds boldly and unapologetically - just like she always did.

     A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at the Bice Memorial Chapel at Homewood Living – Martinsburg, with Rev. Jerry McCuller and Rev. Dave Crumrine officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Janis’s name to: Dragon Pride Foundation, 1100 East Main St., Roaring Spring, PA 16673 or “Relief Fund” c/o D. Merl Tipton VFW Post 43, 115 S. Nicodemus St., Martinsburg, PA 16662

Arrangements by the Fink & Stone Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Martinsburg