Deborah L. Thompson, 73, peacefully passed away at her home in Montauk while surrounded by family on Dec. 6, 2023. Born on Feb. 6, 1950, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Virjeanne L. Roggentine and David T. Schminke, Deborah led a life filled with remarkable vibrancy and unwavering dedication to those she loved. She was a force to be reckoned with.
As the careers of her parents blossomed, Deborah’s family moved to South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she grew up enjoying life to the fullest and her charisma propelled her to become the prom queen of South Milwaukee High School. Even then, her smile and infectious laugh lit up every room she entered. After high school, Deborah put to work her quick wit, bursting personality and beaming smile as a successful manager of ‘DebCo’, the company her parents founded. She quickly showcased her leadership ability and dedication to the family business.
In 1978, Deborah met her late husband, Larry Thompson, on Walker’s Cay nestled in the Bahamas. This meeting would lead the pair to Montauk where she established her home, raised her daughters, and began forging her own successful venture in offering heavenly spa treatments.
After putting herself through school while raising her young girls, she started as an esthetician with a single room in 1997. Deborah’s passion and personal touch transformed her modest beginnings into three locations, including the flagship Deborah Thompson Day Spa which became a staple of the Montauk community. She consistently provided a transformative experience that left each person feeling uniquely special and rejuvenated. She believed that true care is achieved by working from the inside out. Her heartfelt laugh, joy and genuine spirit was a magnet to many and left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Deborah’s expertise seemed to not only be skincare, but soul care too.
A passionate traveler, Deborah’s love for exploration began in the 1970s when she embarked on adventures with her mother. That enthusiasm was sustained throughout her life, visiting countless countries with friends and loved ones. Highlights include sailing the Aegean Sea with family and embarking on an African safari with her sister and friends. She eagerly looked forward to each trip and formed enduring friendships while creating lasting memories with her travel companions.
Her adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit gave life to the dream of opening a Riad in Morocco. No small task, but in true fashion this too became a creation that her daughters were able to witness. The serene bohemian escape she envisioned is soon to be a reality just outside of Marrakech.
Deborah was the life of any party and widely known for her glamorous style and fashion sense. She could always be seen rocking the latest trend or confidently paving the way for the next one. Bold, vibrant colors with flawless accessories typically highlighted by beautiful thick framed glasses and shoes that left you wondering - where does she even buy those? Deborah’s inspiration was influenced by her many travels around the world. She was a talented designer with an impeccable stylistic touch that could transform any space into a magical oasis.
Her daughters, Brittany Thompson of Southold and Bailey Thompson of Montauk, describe their mom as an incredible human who has been their life-long inspiration, best friend, and role model. She was always their rock, bright light, and favorite person. She was a goddess, warrior, and queen that displayed unwavering strength and an unbreakable will during multiple cancer diagnoses. They both knew since they were young girls how lucky they were to have her as their mom.
She is forever in the hearts of her daughters: Bailey Thompson, husband Jeremy Somero, and their daughter Talullah Bee Somero —Deborah’s cherished granddaughter; and Brittany Thompson, husband Brian Cummings, and their son Levon Cummings—Deborah’s beloved grandson. Deborah is survived by her sister, Rebecca J. Banks, and her brother, David T. Schminke II. She is predeceased by her sister, Elizabeth A. Schminke. She will be deeply missed by her nieces and nephews: Glenn, Sara, Adam, Robert, TJ, and Becky Jean, and their families.
A mass honoring Deborah’s life will be held at 11AM on January 20th at St. Therese of Lisieux, followed by a celebration of her life at Harvest on Fort Pond in Montauk. These gatherings are dedicated to commemorating Deborah’s enduring legacy and the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her.
Deborah’s absence will be deeply felt by many, but her memory will forever be cherished by all whose lives she touched.
Deborah always found time and resources to directly help families in need, donations would be appreciated to East End Foundation, Clam Shell Foundation, CancerCare, Memorial Sloan Kettering or the Montauk Food Pantry where she volunteered.
