Carol Jean Thompson, 82, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Sat, May 9, 2026, at her home in Burlington.
She was born to H. Walter and Marian (nee Weingart) Anderson in McHenry, IL, on February 2, 1944, where she lived her young life. She graduated from McHenry HS and went on to graduate with a degree in Business from Northern Illinois University.
After college, she married Richard (Rich) J Smith, Jr, also of McHenry, at St Mary’s Catholic Church on February 12, 1966. Together they moved to Morris, IL, where she became a teacher for lower elementary grades at a catholic school. There, they welcomed their first child, Richard (Rick/RT), and were expecting their second, Ann, when Rich was lost in a car accident on February 18, 1968.
Carol Jean moved back to McHenry to be closer to family and began teaching a senior girls’ Catechism class. That is when she met her future brother-in-law, Tom, who introduced her to Robert (Bob) G. Thompson, also of McHenry. Bob and Carol Jean were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in McHenry on June 5, 1971, and remained steadfastly devoted to one another for nearly 55 years. Bob adopted Rick and Ann, and together they grew their family with Mary, John, Thomas (Tom), and Patricia (Patti). Shortly after being married, they began farming, moving between Burlington and Lake Geneva, before settling back in Burlington. Carol Jean embraced her farm wife role, but as their young family grew, she went to work at the Burlington Post Office as a Rural carrier, where she worked for 27 years (as a sub, then full-time). After they sold the family farm, Bob and Carol Jean settled into the city of Burlington to enjoy their retirement.
Carol Jean was strong in her Catholic faith, which guided her values in life. Her faith allowed her to be both strong and resilient, which, together with her quirky ingenuity and sense of humor, saw her through many of life’s challenges. Carol Jean thoroughly enjoyed her time with family and friends, had a big heart and was always willing to help those in need, was quick with a smile to strangers, and lived her life honestly and faithfully.
The last few years of Carol Jean’s life were shadowed by Lewy Body Dementia. During her years of illness, Carol Jean kept her faith, her strength, and most importantly, her sense of humor, often joking with those around her. This difficult time highlighted Bob and Carol Jean’s devotion to each other, with Bob consistently by her side, ensuring all her needs were met and that she received wonderful care. With that, the family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Aurora Hospice for the wonderful care and deep caring they gave. They are equally thankful for the amazing job done by her in-home caregivers: Joyce, Deb, MaryAnn, Erin, and daughters Ann and Patti.
Carol Jean is survived by her husband, Bob, her six children, Rick J. Thompson, Ann M. Creighton, Mary L. (Wayne) St. Clair, John W. (Lisa) Thompson, Tom L. Thompson, and Patti J. (Jason) Rullmann, and her 9 grandchildren: Adam, Allison, Matthew, Gale, Jayden, Ethan, Eddie, Sara, and Wyatt. Along with her parents and first husband, Carol Jean was preceded in death by her sister Marilyn Anderson and son-in-law Dave Creighton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Burlington Catholic Schools (https://ourbcs.org) or St. Mary’s Parish (https://www.ourblcc.org/).
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Daniels Family Funeral Home in Burlington, WI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Burlington, WI. Carol will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in McHenry, IL.
