It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Constance (Connie) Thompson of Eureka. She lived nearly her entire life in Eureka and died of complications from a long history of heart disease.

She was born Constance Elaine Martins on June 20, 1943, to Wallace William Martins and Pauline Campbell-Martins. She grew up in Eureka and attended local schools, graduating from Eureka High School in 1962.

She met the love of her life, Jack Thompson, while in high school. He used to pick her up at the corner of H street and Del Norte streets for lunch during her senior year. Connie told the story that the principal called her mom to alert her of the situation, and she let him know that she approved. Excited to start their lives together, the two were married on November 24, 1962 in Eureka.

Connie began working as a nurse’s aide at St. Joseph Hospital after graduation, and also completed an LVN program at night with her good friend Karen Zeck. Though neither would become nurses, they remained lifelong friends. Connie spent 45 years working in the medical industry in Eureka. She began at Burns clinic, North Coast Medical Group, and finally the center for Women’s Health, retiring in 2013 as an office manager. She enjoyed working with the doctors and staff throughout the years and made many lasting friendships that carried on throughout her life.

Connie and Jack had two sons — Loren in 1967, and Brent in 1971. They enjoyed taking the boys camping, hunting, fishing, and always attending motorcycle or car races. Many fun weekends were had at the family property in Hoopa, or at the house on K street with the K Street gang.

Connie was always interested in learning new things and later in life she revisited her desire to play the violin. She worked tirelessly at becoming proficient and ultimately became accomplished and played with the Four Seasons Orchestra, for which she was very proud. Connie and Jack purchased a motorhome and intended to travel some in retirement. They made a few trips to the Central Balley and enjoyed staying at Benbow. They made a couple of trips to McCloud with their close friends and always had a great time. They also spent many weekends taking their 1954 Buick Special to the local car shows where they made many friends.

Connie was predeceased by her mother and father, her loving husband Jack (2021), her brother Wally Martins, Jr., her half-brother Mel Martins, and her precious dog Punkin.

She is survived by her sons Brent of Eureka, Loren and daughter-in law Melissa and granddaughter Brittney from Galt, Calif. They adored Brittney and enjoyed the exhausting Disneyland trips when she was little, and celebrating her accomplishments as she grew up. She is also survived by her sister Jacalyn Martins, half brother Wayne Martins (KD), half sisters Cheryl Martins, Patricia Andrews, and Jackie Bainbridge; nieces and nephews Tosha, Joy, Jeremy, Robert, Lateese, Ali, Tiffany, and Elijah, and numerous cousins. She loved her two Cairn, terriers Maggie and Molly.

We will be hosting a celebration of lives well lived for Connie and Jack on September 28 at 11:30 a.m. at Old Growth Cellars, 1945 Hilfiker Lane in Eureka.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude or American Cancer Society as these were important to Connie.