Elizabeth Somaly Thompson, 54, of Cary, NC passed away on August 22, 2026 at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh, NC.

Liz loved her family whole-heartedly and unconditionally. She is survived by her husband, Matt, and three children, Kai, Julia, and Josh. She is also survived by her mother, Heng Thach, and two brothers, Dave Thach and Tony Thach. She was preceded in death by her father, Sang Thach, and her brother, Dara, as an infant.

Liz was born in Cambodia, the oldest child of Sang and Heng Thach. She and her parents came to the United States as refugees in 1975. She grew up primarily in Northwest Indiana and was a proud alum of Indiana University.

Liz moved to Atlanta, GA where she met her soulmate Matt Thompson in 1995. She moved back to Indiana in 1996, and Matt was smart enough to follow her. The couple were married on June 22, 1997.

Liz worked as an executive assistant in downtown Chicago before focusing on raising her three children. The young family moved to Cary, NC in 2006, and Liz was active in the MOMS Club in both NW Indiana and Cary.

Liz was diagnosed with thymic carcinoma in 2010 and later developed moyamoya. She endured chemotherapy, radiation, cancer surgery, 10 strokes, 4 brain surgeries, and countless days of rehab. Her family is thankful for the courage, positivity, and tenacity with which she faced her medical challenges, which gifted them with 16 more years of sharing coffee shop excursions, long walks, dog petting, turtle feeding, board games, stage performances, soccer games, road trips, movies, renaissance faires, hugs, and endless laughter.

Liz loved conversation and making others happy. She set an example for how to approach hardships with grace and good humor and how to live life with kindness and love. She generously shared her light with all she met.

A Celebration of Life will be held 5:00 - 8:00 pm on Friday, September 25, 2026 at Harold D. Ritter Park, 301 W Lochmere Dr, Cary, NC 27518. Family and friends are welcome to a casual, open-house, potluck gathering to share memories of how Liz touched our lives. People can bring a picnic dinner and soft drinks for themselves and/or bring a favorite dish to share with others. Due to allergies, please do not bring any food with peanuts or tree nuts.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Liz to Esteamed Coffee in Cary, NC, whose mission is to lower the unemployment rate and increase the quality of life for adults with intellectual, developmental, communication, and/or visual disabilities by creating meaningful jobs and social opportunities in a warm, supportive environment.