Lori Noreen Thompson

Lori Noreen Thompson, 63, of New Castle passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis following a brief unexpected illness. She was born October 28, 1962, in New Castle, Indiana, a daughter of the late Dickie Lee Shafer and Shirley Noreen (Hopkins) Shafer.

Lori had a deep love for animals and was known as a protector of them, especially horses and cats. She enjoyed taking drives through the countryside looking for deer and took special joy in caring for the ducks at her home. Lori also loved music and was a devoted fan of Stevie Nicks. She enjoyed singing and had a phenomenal voice that many people never had the opportunity to hear.

Lori was currently employed as a member of the kitchen staff at Buffalo Wild Wings. Prior to that, she dedicated 36 years of service as a medical assistant at New Castle Pediatrics. Lori was known for speaking her mind and standing up for what she believed in. She also enjoyed spending time fishing.

She was a 1981 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School where she was a member of the color guard. During her senior year, the band won the State Fair Band Competition. While in high school, she also participated in the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) program.

Lori is survived by her husband, James Thompson; children, Joshua (Crystal) Batt, Jesse (significant other: Paige Protsman) Thompson and Travis Thompson; grandchildren, Sophie, Emma, Henry, Kian, Renley, Kambree; siblings, Debbie (John) Trent, Jeff (Cathy) Shafer and Joy (Steve) Miller; mother-in-law, Nancy Thompson; brother-in-law, Joe (Laura) Thompson; sister-in-law, Tam (Jimmy) Stacy; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many other kids in the community that knew Lori as “mom”.

Lori was preceded in death by her parents, Dickie Lee Shafer (2009) and Shirley Noreen Shafer (2021); siblings, Howard “Hank” Scott Shafer (2012) and Todd Shafer (2019); father-in-law, Walter Thompson (2018).

Services will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Burial will follow in Green Hills Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 4:00pm-8:00pm Monday, March 9, 2026 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given in Lori’s honor to the Henry County Humane Society c/o Henry County Community Foundation or Pat’s Pet Clinic, 11 Midway Dr. New Castle, IN 47362. Envelopes for both funds will be available at the funeral home. You may express condolences or share memories of Lori at www.hinsey-brown.com.