Margaret B. Thompson, known to all as "Maggie", died in West Orange, N.J., on Feb. 18, 2012. Mrs. Thompson was a lifelong civil rights activist. She made many contributions with her husband, Ernie Thompson, a leader in Orange, N.J., and her work with civil rights attorney, Morton Stavis. After retirement, she traveled the world. At age 90, she wrote a memoir of her life, "From One to Ninety-One: A Life," and started the Maggie INK Project to raise money so others can write memoirs. She died at age 92. She is survived by her daughter, Mindy Thompson Fullilove; her son, Joshua Thompson; six grandchildren and seven grandchildren.

Published in Star-Ledger on Mar. 9, 2012