Carol Joan Tomason, (1948 - 2018) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Let the memory of Carol's bright light and love be with us forever.

70 years old
Born on August 22, 1948 in Neptune, New Jersey, United States
Passed away on October 12, 2018 in Washington, District of Columbia, United States

This memorial website was created in memory of our beloved Carol, 70 years old, born on August 22, 1948 and passed away on October 12, 2018.

Carol's life was taken all too soon. She passed away from injuries sustained from a tragic accident while she was in Washington, D.C. She and her loving husband, Bruce, were visiting their daughters and family who live in the District.

This memorial is a place of remembrance for Carol's loving light, generosity, and warmth. Carol's family is so appreciative of the love and support that they are receiving from her friends and loved ones. They are also thankful for the stories that are being shared with them of Carol's life and moments of grace.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held in Chapel Hill, N.C, on Saturday, October 27th. We know that she loved and was loved by so many people in and outside of the Chapel Hill area, many of whom may not be able to make it to the service, but will be with us in spirit.

Please use this space to share your loving memories of Carol and the incredible life that she lived. We will miss her inspiring and giving spirit and her warmth, and hope this page can help to continue her story in some way.

CAROL'S OBITUARY, published October 17, 2018

Written by Meredith Tomason

Carol Joan Tomason (Age 70) passed away from injuries sustained during a tragic accident in Washington, D.C. on the morning of October 12th.Carol and her husband Bruce, residents of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, were visiting their children and grandchildren, who live in the District.

Carol was born in Neptune, New Jersey to Ruth and Otto Schneider on August 22, 1948. She shared 46 loving years with her one true love, best friend, and husband, Bruce Tomason.The couple started a family in Summit, New Jersey, and also spent time living in London, England. Carol was the proud and loving mother to Audrey Tomason Ward, and Meredith Tomason, and was thrilled to become a mother-in-law to Audrey’s husband Sean Ward. Carol also leaves behind two granddaughters, and enjoyed all of the fun that came with being their ‘Grammy’.

A life long educator, Carol received her Bachelors Degree from Montclair State University and both her Masters Degree and Educational Specialist in Learning Disabilities Degree from Rutgers University Graduate School of Education.She began her teaching career as an English and ESL teacher at Park Junior High School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

Carol was an active and passionate advocate with many educational non-profits and schools over her career including in New Jersey, at the Summit Child Care Center, Kent Place School, and Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex & Union; in London, at the American School in London; and most recently in North Carolina, as the President of The Learning Trail, a non-profit supporting the educational and social services needs of children from low-income families in the Chapel Hill area.

She enjoyed traveling with her family, and was passionate about gardening, baking, playing golf, and spending time with her family and friends at the family’s home in Martha’s Vineyard.

Carol’s effervescence, warmth, and genuine joy for giving to others are irreplaceable. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, and in honor of Carol’s giving spirit, contributions may be given to the organization closest to Carol’s heart, The Learning Trail, P.O. Box 3061 Chapel Hill, NC 27515 (http://www.thelearningtrail.org/). Services will be held in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

As an outgrowth of this tragedy, please join Carol’s family in supporting the efforts of Vision Zero D.C. (http://www.dcvisionzero.com/)

Tributes

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October 27, 2018

I truly loved her, she use to tell me at the governors club how much she loved my afro, and how cute she thought i was. I would tell her that she reminded me of the mom from the 70's show and she would just giggle. I loved coming to the table she was at during events. I pray peace for her family and Mr Bruce. I will always remember her. A warm soul that touched so many lives.

October 22, 2018

Carol Tomason was my English as a second language teacher during my very first year here when my family immigrated here to United States. It was in my 6th grade in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Having had my life uprooted at 11 not knowing anyone my age there, I was terrified and felt completely alone in school... except when I entered Carol's class. She was so friendly, cheerful, patient, loving, kind, helpful and supportive in every way. I looked forward to seeing her every school day, and was always sad when I had to leave her class. Over the course of the next two years, she made sure I learned what I was supposed to learn, always pushing me just the right amount. My parents were so grateful for her efforts that went far beyond the call of duty, that they invited her over for a couple of home-cooked Chinese meals. This was big for my parents. At some point, Carol said to me, "Have you considered becoming a writer?" To which, I replied, "No. I can't read yet. I like math and science. No writing." Over the years, through several decades of changes for both Carol and myself, my marriage, the deaths of my parents, birth of my son, we kept in touch. I went on to getting a PhD in Chemistry from USC, and boy, my thesis was over 500 pages. Guess she was right after all! Finally, in the last few years, I even finished my 5th screenplay, last one still in production. Carol, you have lit a little flame in my heart as a child, and I didn't even know it at the time. All teachers should learn from you. All humans should celebrate your life. You have made the world better for being in it. Thank you for your kindness and caring. I shall remember you always. I know she loved her family more than anything else, and I'm sure she had prepared you all to keep being fabulous humans, and that will honor her memory. Healing hugs coming from California.

October 19, 2018

We have the most wonderful memories of sharing good times with the Tomason family in London, France, and Italy. We all loved Carol because she made every occasion fun with her smile, sense of humor, kindness, and positive outlook on life. I along with Chuck, Josh, Sean, and Brett send all our love to Bruce, Audrey, and Meredith.

October 17, 2018

Pat and I will always remember Carol as the most gracious host who cared about everyone else's comfort even before her own. That sweet, girlish giggle from the back of her throat was always part of what made Carol so adorable. We know those traits are now part of her legacy found in her girls .....both daughters and now granddaughters. Love to you all.