Carolyn Williams Thompson

Carolyn Williams Thompson, age 86, of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, passed away on July 28, 2025, surrounded by love.

Born in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Carolyn was the daughter of Edwin and Jean. She met her beloved husband, James (Jim), at Brown University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Botany. She later completed a Master's of Education at Cornell University and went on to teach elementary school.

Carolyn had a deep and abiding love for the natural world. From an early age, she was drawn to flowers, birds, and dogs - a passion that stayed with her throughout her life. She married Jim in 1963, beginning a marriage rooted in shared curiosity, kindness, and devotion.

She was a loving and supportive mother to Jed (Brenda) and Lydia (Grant), and a proud grandmother to Rachel, Daniel, and Joshua. Her greatest joys came from time spent with her family, and she nurtured lasting connections with a close circle of dear friends.

Carolyn's heart was rooted in two places - her longtime home in Grosse Pointe Woods, where she was an active member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, and her cherished cottage on the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario. She first came to the cottage as a child and returned each summer throughout her life. She took deep pride in creating a peaceful and welcoming space there - planting expansive gardens and making sure everyone had what they needed to rest, recharge, and feel cared for. The cottage wasn't just her favorite place, it was the place where she most loved doing for others. She and Jim were especially active in the St. Andrew's Church in Howdenvale - a small summer church where even dogs are welcome at services.

Carolyn's generosity showed up in quiet, consistent ways. She gave neighbors rides, checked in on friends, and made everyone feel seen. In her later years, as mobility became more difficult, she stayed deeply connected by phone, spending hours each day listening with genuine interest to the daily ups and downs of friends and family.

She always wanted to be helpful, offering a listening ear without judgment and a steady presence that brought comfort. She will be deeply missed.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her children and grandchildren, who will carry her love and legacy forward.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Carolyn's favorite organizations:

Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE), aane.org

Cornell Lab of Ornithology, birds.cornell.edu

Gleaners Community Food Bank, gcfb.org

St. Michaels Episcopal Church, stmichaelsgpw.org

Following her wishes, cremation has taken place.

Shiva will take place on Monday, August 11 from 6-8pm, (with minyan service at 7:30 pm), at Jed and Brenda's home.

A remembrance of Carolyn will take place on Sunday, September 28 during the 10am service at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. Reception to follow.