Barbara M. Thompson, 91, of Hamilton Square, New Jersey, entered the gates of Heaven on June 13, 2025. She was born on February 17, 1934 in Trenton, New Jersey, to Jerry and Minerva Madden.
Barbara graduated from Cathedral High School and Trenton State Teachers College. She excelled as a student and was driven. After graduating, she worked at Prudential Insurance company as the Executive Business Manager. She strove to not only manage but mentored and challenged her peers to flourish in their careers. She retired after 37 years.
Barbara Madden married the love of her life, James Thompson, on October 22, 1974. They met playing golf and dated for over 5 years, before she agreed to get married. They eloped and were married at the Wee Kirk O’ the Heather Chapel in Las Vegas. Jim loved playing the games and every time he won, his lovely bride would hide a few chips. Before leaving Vegas, she cashed in all the chips and on the plane ride home poured out the winnings on his lap. There was joy, laughter, and love. Jim passed away on May 13, 1976.
At an early age, following in her mother, Minerva, and her father, Jerry Madden’s footsteps, Barbara began her golf journey. She served as the New Jersey representative for the Mid-Amateur Golf Tournament for four years, the New Jersey State Women’s Golf Committee for six years, and ran the Women’s NJ State Senior Championship for four years. Barbara acted as club representative for the WMGA (Women’s Metropolitan Golf Association), Tournament Chair of Peddie Golf Club, President of the Peddie Golf Association and Peddie Golf Club in Hightstown, New Jersey.
Barbara Thompson achieved remarkable success on the course and was legendary. She won the New Jersey State Seniors Flight 2 in 1985 and Flight 1 in 1993. As well as, Championship Flight Runner Up in 1994, and the Super Seniors Winner in 2000 and in 2006. At Peddie Golf Club, she won the Ladies Club Championship 19 times, Women’s Senior Club Championship 16 times, Member-Member three times, in addition to the Jane Thompson Memorial Tournament for seven years.
For over 60 years, Barbara was a trailblazer and a guiding presence in the WTDGA, Women’s Trenton District Golf Association. She acted as the President and Tournament chair. Her dedication and vision culminated in her historic appointment as the organization’s first Executive Director. Her impact on WTDGA was immeasurable. In that role, she took on the challenge of organizing and elevating Women’s Golf with energy and conviction. Under her leadership, guidance, passion and tireless efforts, the WTDGA flourished. On May 5, 2025 Barbara delivered a heartfelt message with the intention of resigning after serving for 20 years as the Executive Director. A vote was taken and they unanimously refused to accept her resignation and said they would all resign if she did. She smiled and said, “OK” agreeing to continue her role.
Although it is the end of an era, Barbara Thompson leaves a legacy of her love of the game, excellence, inspiration, and being a force of nature. As a “Golf Mom” and mentor, many will hear her voice in their heads pushing them to be better golfers. Barbara’s thoughtfulness made each person she knew feel important and loved. Many described her as a dear friend. Her golf sisters became her family. She was not only the heart, but the matriarch of Women’s Golf. Barbara will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Barbara Thompson was a member of St. Raphael’s & Holy Angels Catholic Church. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Minerva Madden; husband, James Thompson; sister, Peg Ohlander; and brother, Thomas Madden (Irene). She is survived by her sister, Mary Lee Madden of Hackettstown, NJ; “The nieces,” Victoria Rheinlander and Kathryn Ross (George,) as well as, niece, Beth Winston and nephew, Jay Madden (Susie); one great niece, Michal Ross (Jason Opp) and two great nephews, Daniel and Henry Madden.
Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 9:15 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at St. Raphaels R. C. Church, 3500 South Broad Street, Hamilton, NJ, 08610. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated beginning at 10:30 a.m.
For those desiring, in lieu of flowers, please donate to either the New Jersey Junior Golf Foundation, 255 Old New Brunswick Rd. Suite 100 South, Piscataway, NJ 08854 or Womanspace, 1530 Brunswick Avenue, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.
And ALWAYS remember, “It’s not how you drive, but how you arrive.” Honor her memory by treasuring the moments we shared and carry forward the kindness and love she brought into the world.
Golf Blessing
May each day be full of focus, birdies, and wisdom. May your ball love the fairway and the green and stay far from sandtraps and water hazards. May every 18 holes give you a chance to embrace hard work, encourage friends, handle defeat, and celebrate victories.
Arrangements are under the direction of Saul Colonial Home, Hamilton Square, New Jersey.
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