Joanne Mary Tompkins

Joanne Mary Tompkins, age 69, of Nags Head, NC passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026 surrounded by family. She was born on August 12, 1956 in Darby, PA to Joan and Jack Gordon.

Joanne grew up in West Chester, PA and attended Henderson High School. From an early age, she was known for her compassion and adventurous spirit, approaching life in a way that was uniquely her own.She attended College of the Redwoods in Eureka, CA, where she earned her associate’s degree in nursing and graduated at the top of her class.

Joanne spent most of her career as a Director of Nursing, specializing in geriatric care facilities. Later in her career she moved to hospice nursing, wanting to get closer to the patients and care that led her to a career in nursing. She was known for her compassionate, authentic bedside manner, and for helping both her patients and their loved ones navigate deeply personal and sad life events.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Joanne cared deeply for her family. She was creative and artistic, enjoyed entertaining, cooking for her family and friends, and had a special love for reading. Some of her happiest moments were spent traveling to the Florida Keys, singing and dancing at Jimmy Buffet concerts, and laughing and reminiscing with her family.

Those who knew her will remember her for her humor, strength, generosity, resilience, stubbornness, and warmth.

She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Richard Tompkins; daughters, Jody Saunders (Kyle), Kelly Crowley (Brian), and Sarah Boyland (Mike); son, Tony Bruno; grandchildren, Angela, Alyssa, Mike, Owen, Jack, and Jordon; sisters, Suzanne Killian (Jeff) and Jaqueline Moore; brother, Matt Gordon; brother-in-law, Warren Kaiser; sister-in-laws, Debbie Roninger and Amy Walker (Steve); mother-in-law Jaqueline Tompkins; and many nieces and nephews.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents; Joan and Jack Gordon; son, Jack Lewis; sister, Kathleen Kaiser; and father-in-law, Richard A. Tompkins. Joanne will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Her family will carry her memory forward with love and gratitude and her influence will remain with those whose lives she touched.

The family’s plans for a memorial gathering are pending at this time. Please share expressions of sympathy with the family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.