Carole L Thomason, age 85, passed away peacefully at 08:20 on January 8, 2024, at Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights, where she resided at 800 W Oakton. Born on May 24, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Mildred (Smith) and Robert Erdmann, Carole married Richard D. Thomason, MD, on October 7, 1972.
Carole is survived by her loving family: son Brian Thomason, daughter-in-law Diane Thomason, stepson Paul Thomason, stepdaughter-in-law Lynn Beach, stepdaughter Cynthia Thomason, stepson-in-law Jan Buchta, eight cherished grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.
Carole achieved significant accomplishments in her professional life, earning a B.S. in nursing from Northwestern University in 1961. Subsequently, in 1964, she graduated from the Chicago Wesley Memorial Hospital School of Anesthesia. In 1967, she founded and directed the School of Anesthesia at Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago, leading with dedication until 1978. Relocating to Elkhart with her husband and son, Carole continued to contribute to the medical field as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Elkhart General Hospital until 1986. Additionally, she served as an anesthetist for equine surgeries alongside Loren Brandt, DVM, until 1996.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Hooved Animal Humane Society at
https://hahs.org/how-you-can-help/. Carole's legacy of compassion and dedication to both human and animal well-being will be remembered by all who knew her.
Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options in Schiller Park, Illinois.