Chapel Hill family, community remembers beloved educator who died from flu

Thompson, the school's special needs coordinator, meant a lot to her students and community throughout the years.

Pete Rubinas, the head of Willow Oak, said Thompson brought a special light to the school.

"She was just a special person," he said.

The bench in Thompson's honor is meant to be a place for children who are feeling alone, the children Thompson often supported.

Rick Thompson is still working through the loss of his wife. He said the bench is a wonderful way to honor his wife's loving spirit.

"That was Ginny's passion, that everybody be included," Thompson said.

Both Rick and Ginny fell dangerously sick with the flu last year.

"We were both admitted Feb. 28 to the intensive care hospital at UNC-Chapel Hill. Both of us had the flu, both of us had pnemonia," he said.

He recovered, but Ginny did not make it.

"He said this was just the perfect storm, and it was just too big for Ginny to win," Thompson said.

She would not give up. After being near death she returned home for a short time. But ultimately she ended up back in the hospital.

She passed away in October, as her students celebrated her and all she had given them.

Rick Thompson said the flu devastated his family so quickly. He said her death is a lesson that nothing should be taken for granted.

"I know Ginny is comfortable today," he said. "She is in the arms of Jesus, and that is where she wanted to be."

Rick Thompson said his wife was healthy before contracting the flu. She had a both the flu and pneumonia shot before she got sick.