A cherished educator, Maria Thompson, 44, has tragically lost her life to COVID-19, a devastating reminder of the ongoing impact of the pandemic on teachers across the nation. Maria, a dedicated mother and grandmother from New Mexico, continued to teach virtually even after being hospitalized for pneumonia related to the virus.
Initially experiencing mild symptoms on November 12, Maria was later admitted to the emergency room due to a persistent cough. It was during this visit that she was diagnosed with COVID-19 and pneumonia. After a three-day hospital stay, she returned home with an oxygen tank and mask, determined to continue teaching her students.
Her brother, James Thompson, shared with reporters, “She was eager to return home and teach. She was actually conducting lessons on oxygen, despite being in such a critical state; her dedication to her students was unwavering.” Maria aimed to finish the term, teaching both behavioral students online during the day and reaching out to those without internet access via phone in the evenings, putting in nearly 70 hours of work each week.
However, just two weeks after her return home, her condition deteriorated, and she was readmitted to Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque on November 28. By December 6, she was placed on a ventilator. “Before this, she was vibrant and full of life. We never imagined it would come to this,” her brother revealed. The family learned of her severe condition only after her second hospitalization, where doctors discovered blood clots in her lungs and a collapsed lung, along with kidney failure requiring dialysis.
Despite her family’s efforts to support her, they ultimately made the heartbreaking decision to withdraw her from the ventilator. Maria is survived by her three children and one grandchild, along with her parents and siblings. The Thompson family, along with many students and community members, are part of the Navajo Nation, an area severely affected by the pandemic, with high infection rates reported earlier this year.
In light of their loss, the family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses, reaching their goal within just 48 hours. James hopes that Maria’s story will bring attention to the struggles faced by many during this time. “Her legacy is one of love and compassion,” he said. “She would have wanted people to support each other and find the good in everyone.”
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Summary:
Maria Thompson, a dedicated teacher from New Mexico, tragically passed away from COVID-19 after bravely teaching while on oxygen. Her story highlights the sacrifices educators have made during the pandemic, and her family is working to honor her legacy through community support.