Cristina Thompson was born on November 9, 1983, in Redlands, California. She was a devoted wife, loving mother of three, a fiercely loyal older sister, and a cherished friend who touched countless lives with her compassion and generosity.

Cristina was the eldest of seven girls and helped protect and raise her sisters alongside her mother, Marlene Casarez. As a teenager, she worked full-time while attending high school to help provide rent, groceries, and other necessities for her family in Riverside, California.

In 2005, at the age of 21, Cristina moved to Phoenix, Arizona to begin a new life on her own. In 2007, she met her husband, Daniel Thompson, while working in Chandler, Arizona. She worked various jobs before deciding to pursue her passion for the medical field, inspired by the tireless efforts of the doctors and nurses who tried to save her young brother, Jose, who tragically passed away at just 11 months old.

As a Certified Nursing Assistant, Cristina built a remarkable career defined by empathy, skill, and dedication. In her early years, she was recognized time and again by parents, families, and colleagues as one of the most caring, thoughtful, and effective members of her care team. She had a special gift for working with dementia patients, teaching those around her that meeting patients where they are—listening to what they mean, not just what they say—could transform their day, ease their fears, and greatly improve their quality of life.

Later in her career, Cristina continued to stand out as one of the most reliable and knowledgeable members of her team. She became a steady source of comfort for parents who simply needed to be treated like people—to be spoken to with dignity and compassion and, when necessary, with the gentle firmness her profession required. She proudly served our veterans as a CNA at the Phoenix VA Hospital, dedicating herself to making a lasting difference in the lives of those who had served our country.

A proud mother to three beautiful children, Cristina always placed her family and others before herself. Whether she was feeding the homeless, supporting a friend through difficult times, or helping a coworker in need, she never hesitated to give from her heart. For years, Cristina faced her illness with extraordinary strength and grace. Even as her health declined, she continued to offer smiles, hugs, and encouragement to others.

Cristina sadly passed away in the early morning of February 27, 2026, at the age of 42. She was surrounded by her family, sisters, and mother. They held her hands, sang songs, and reassured her that her family was going to be okay.

Cristina Thompson is survived by her husband, Daniel (41); her son, Nathaniel Jose (14); and her daughters, Nevelee DeSol (12) and Isabel Nikol Thompson (11). She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.