It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Solange “Niki” Thompson.
A giving, loving and dedicated woman, Niki passed away peacefully on Dec. 18 surrounded by family at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center.
She leaves behind her husband, Major Robert Thompson, of 53 years, her three children – Marie Bartsch, Barbie Thompson-Kuehne, and Rob “Boo” Thompson, as well as four grandchildren, two sisters, four brothers, and countless extended family and friends.
The family is grateful for everyone’s outpouring of love and visits paid to Niki during her final days. Your compassionate and uplifting words of encouragement, sympathy and support has helped us all through this difficult time. We express gratitude to everyone who has reached out.
Niki and Bob moved to Wilmington in 1974 and she opened Indochine in 2000, in homage to her Vietnamese and French heritage. She wanted to share authentic Asian flavors and culture with Wilmington residents and visitors, many of whom became lifelong friends. Niki focused on serving food inspired by history, travel, imagination, and the hundreds of cultures that Thai cuisine embraced.
She had an unwavering desire to celebrate the rich tapestry of the Asian experience, something she strived for from her early days as a young immigrant navigating a new culture to becoming one of Wilmington’s most respected culinary voices.
All of her beloved restaurants, including the flagship Indochine on Wayne Drive and its varied Express locations in Southport, Leland, Monkey Junction and on Oleander Drive, as well as Cafe Chinois, will remain operational.
Funeral arrangements are to come in Wilmington at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to be sent to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare on behalf of Solange “Niki” Thompson. Please, respect our privacy at this time and thank you all for your continued support.
