Caroline Tompkins (Majer)

“You don’t move on after loss, but you must move with . . . .
Grief came to you my friend because love came first. Love came first” (Donna Ashworth).

Caroline passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026. At 74 years young, she was blessed with a magic that preserved her youthful beauty both inside and out. Maybe that magic was love, for she was loved greatly, and she loved us deeply.

Caroline was a cancer warrior, and battled her diagnosis for 5 ½ years. She was courageous and compassionate, and a pillar of strength for others who were struggling with their own health, even on days when she was not feeling well herself. Perhaps she was always the consummate nurse - always there, always willing to listen and always willing to help.

Caroline was known as the Lady In the Trees, a Friday Night Friend (Sometimes Saturday too), a partner for life, and a second mum to some. She was a great listener, with an uncanny ability to get you to talk about your life and deepest secrets. She never took herself too seriously and was always up for an adventure (even if she insisted on wiping everything down with sanitizing wipes first). She had a wicked sense of humor, but only those close to her saw her true belly laughs.

Caroline was a treasured daughter, a beloved sister, a cherished sister-in-law, and a kind and thoughtful mother-in-law. She was a partner in family lore, silliness and shenanigans. She was a generous host of family gatherings, the dependable rock, and the glue that kept us all together.

Caroline was known as “Nan” to her six grandchildren, and she delighted in building fairy gardens, and brewing witches’ potions. She also gossiped about high school dramas, and reminded those who needed it to listen to their own mothers, to make good choices, and to clean their rooms.

Caroline was mum to four daughters, who miss her dearly already. She was the call you made on your way home from work to chat about life, and the first call you made when things felt hard. She was always willing to listen - even if she was sometimes a little too quick to tell you what you didn’t want to hear. She was a confidant, a bossy advisor, a shoulder, and a friend. She was home.

Caroline was also the beautiful young woman at a gas station who captured Dad’s heart and imagination. They were married 54 years; she was his Mona Lisa, his Polish Princess and his whole heart. Caroline called her husband, Chris, her hero, as he devoted himself to caring for her, even holding her as she passed.

Caroline loved the warm summer months, and absolutely hated the dreary winter. She was always excited for the sound “peepers” in the spring, and the sudden “pop” of leaves. We know that she is sitting in a beautiful garden (with no weeds ever), reading a good book and drinking an aperol spritz.
Or maybe she is sitting on a beach, watching cargo ships go by and speculating on what they carry. Or maybe she’s having a coffee, sitting by a window and chatting with friends and family who also left too soon.

This is how she would want us to remember her: strong, healthy and full of so much life. We know her presence will always be with us: when you see a rainbow, a beautiful flower, a cool bug, or a shooting star. And maybe if you listen you will hear her voice in the summer wind.

Caroline was love. We welcome grief because we loved her so deeply. Our hope is that her memory will always be a blessing to those who cared about her.