Melinda Thomas

1942 - 2013

Melinda J. Thomas, 70, a trailblazer and mentor to friends, family and colleagues, passed away March 7, 2013 after living with breast cancer for 20 years. Melinda was born in Los Angeles in 1942 to Leo and Etta Antokal, and attended the University of California at Berkeley. She married her LA High School sweetheart, Gerald Thomas, in 1964 (days after college graduation). The two moved to Europe where they lived for five years; first in England, then Switzerland, and finally Finland. While there she studied Mandarin at Oxford, worked at the United Nations, and gave birth to their daughter. The family moved back to the US in 1971, settling in Chicago. While working full time, Melinda attended the University of Chicago Business School, graduating with honors in 1981. Melinda had an accomplished career in finance, starting at Argonne National Laboratory, then moving to senior management roles at National Safety Council and Towers Perrin. Melinda built her dream home in Coloma, Michigan, and retired there in 2004. Melinda will be remembered for her intelligence, sharp wit, love of the arts and history, and sound and thoughtful advice. She is survived by her daughter Liisa, son-in-law Stephen Pratt, two grandchildren, Leo and Aaron, nephew Daniel Antokal, his wife Lura, and their children, Erik and Jason. Melinda's family has established the Melinda J. Thomas Scholars Fund to help working mothers pursue advanced degrees in business. Donations can be sent to The Chicago Community Trust (cct.org), 225 N. Michigan Ave, Ste 2200, Chicago, IL 60601 (marked "The Melinda J. Thomas Scholars Fund"). A celebration of Melinda's life will be held on March 16 (2 p.m.) at the Quadrangle Club (quadclub.uchicago.edu).