Karyl Thom

Karyl Anne (Thom) Hoke

Karyl Anne (Thom) Hoke, who has passed away aged 54 after a heroic eight-year battle with ovarian cancer, was a much loved mother, friend and mentor to many.

Born in San Francisco, the youngest of three children to Andrew and Barbara Thom, she attended Burlingame High School after moving to Hillsborough with her family. After graduation, Karyl attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The many and varied friendships she made at Cal Poly would form the nucleus of her social life for all her later years.

Graduating with a degree in Marketing, Karyl's love of travel would lead her to employment in the travel industry, and soon take her to Europe and many places across the U. S. She was very fond of Scotland, the birthplace of her father. Australia, Paris, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Tahoe, and her many visits to Carmel and Napa Valley were just some of the journey's she loved so much.

While working for Hertz she met and later married Richard Allen Hoke. Together, they soon started a family, first with daughter Rachel, followed by their son Jackson. After Rachel was born, Karyl started her own Internet business incorporating her creativity and marketing skills. At the time of giving birth to her second child, Karyl was diagnosed with cancer. With a sense of purpose and determination that so inspired her many friends and family, Karyl did not let this major setback derail her love of life. Travel, her beloved dinner club, SF Giants and 49ers, cooking for family and friends, music, reading, movies, recycling, organic foods, education and doing volunteer work were her many passions that she vigorously pursued, despite the many challenges that were to befall her during treatment.

Karyl will always be remembered for her grace, charm, wit, kindness, bravery and strength; meeting her was to enjoy being in her company. Her many experiences left a profound mark on her life and all those she met, most notably to strive to always enjoy your surroundings and the people you are with, no matter what the circumstances.

Karyl is survived by her husband Allen, children Rachel and Jackson, and brothers Jeff and David. If you wish to support her memory, donations toward a charity supporting the research towards cures for Ovarian and Breast cancer are encouraged. Her life will be honored with a memorial at the Hoke residence on May 5th, 2013.