Roberta Royce McGregor Thompson (Robby)

Roberta Royce McGregor Thompson (Robby), loving matriarch and caring friend, passed away peacefully in her family’s embrace on Wednesday, May 13th at the age of 81. Born to Norval and Margaret McGregor in Hollywood, CA, Robby was a long time resident of Orange County, raising her seven children there. She was a people person who enjoyed chatting with everyone who crossed her path. Robby was generous and kind and her brother Gene was right when he said she didn’t have a mean bone in her body. Robby will always be remembered for her unconditional acceptance of others, her ability to stay involved in her children’s lives without being intrusive, her great hugs, her love of the color blue and all things chocolate. She will be deeply missed.

Robby learned to read at age four and was an avid reader her whole life. When her oldest children were grown and on their own, Robby went back to school, earning her Masters in Library Science from Cal State Fullerton. Hired by the City of Newport Beach, Robby was children’s Librarian at the Corona del Mar and Balboa branches and reference Librarian at the Main and Mariners branches.

Robby began each day perusing newspapers to discover “what goes on in the outside world.” She enjoyed bowling, swimming, playing bridge and traveling, especially to Poipu Beach on Kauai and to Indian Wells every spring for the pro tennis tourneys. As Robby’s mobility changed to “low and slow,” watching tennis and Angels baseball on TV continued to entertain her.

Robby is survived by all of her children and their families: Peggy Thompson and Clark, Janet Smith and Clarence, Christine Tafoya and Calvin, Sharon Strople and Chris, David Thompson and Pam, Donald Thompson and Denise, and Leonard Thompson and Joan, twelve grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her five McGregor nephews and their families: Robert and Teresa, Michael and Jean, Paul and Patricia, Bruce and Kelly, and Daniel. In addition, Arthur Thompson, Lois and Chuck Smith and family, Clara and Allen Gresham and family, and long-time friends Byra Schworer, Elaine Jeffries, Marjorie Sawyer and Glenna Travers all mourn her passing. Robby’s brother Eugene McGregor and his wife Marlene preceded her in death.

Please join us as we celebrate Robby’s life with a memorial service at Mesa Verde United Methodist Church, 1701 W. Baker, Costa Mesa, at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 13. Reception to follow at the church. Internment graveside at 4:00 pm, Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park, 1625 Gisler Ave., Costa Mesa.

Our heartfelt thanks to Lori Bocancea and her family for the loving care and pampering they extended to our mother this past year, and to the compassionate staff at Hoag Memorial Hospital who attended her in the final hours. In lieu of flowers, the family will be comforted knowing people are remembering Robby in their thoughts and prayers.