Carolyn Thomson

Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | August 24, 2023

Carolyn Thomson, 81, of North Huntingdon, went to be with Jesus on Saturday, August 19, 2023, after a brief illness. Born May 4, 1942, she was the daughter of the late George and Alberta (Papke) Volk, and the widow of the late Donald Thomson, to whom she was married for 56 years.

She was a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and taught English full-time in the Gateway and Norwin School Districts before becoming a stay-at-home mom and substitute teacher. Carolyn was an active member of the Evangelical Congregational Church of McKeesport. She sat on church council, sang in the choir, and wrote and edited the church's monthly newsletter for decades. You could also find her making and serving pies for numerous church dinners that were the highlight of the meal. She loved America and was involved in and led several conservative causes alongside her husband, Don, and was a tireless advocate for the unborn child. She was an avid writer of Letters to the Editor, and frequently shared her concerns over local, state and federal issues. Carolyn and Don also faithfully served at McKeesport Meals on Wheels for many years. She additionally served as judge of elections at her precinct for 20 years. Carolyn enjoyed music and singing in select choirs throughout high school and college. Her love of music carried over into Broadway musicals and the classic CLO productions. Classic movies, especially Gone With the Wind, Sound of Music, and anything with Doris Day, were also a favorite, and her television was usually tuned to TCM. Carolyn enjoyed traveling, having visited all of the continental United States, and had made several trips to Europe. She loved studying the Bible with her study group ladies at Cornerstone Ministries. Her life was also filled with cooking, baking, knitting, crocheting, gardening, reading, and learning new skills. Above all, Carolyn loved her family and the occasions when everyone was together. She always made birthdays and other events special by cooking a favorite meal and baking a delectable dessert. After her husband passed, Carolyn was no longer able to regularly attend church, but she remained plugged in to Gospel teaching through watching David Jeremiah each Sunday. She continued to be a faithful prayer warrior and a witness to those around her.
Carolyn is survived by her son, Eric (Cheryl) Thomson; daughter, Ann (Mark) Tanis; grandchildren, Sarah and Charlie Thomson, Rachel and Abby Tanis, and nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, George Volk; sisters Alberta Volk Feightner and Elinore Volk Beresford.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Evangelical Congregational Church, 312 Olive Street (corner of Olive and Walnut St.), McKeesport, PA 15132, at 1:00 p.m., with luncheon reception to follow.
Arrangements were entrusted to Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to McKeesport Area Meals on Wheels, 1406 Cornell St., McKeesport, PA 15132, or Women's Choice Network, https://womenschoicenetwork.com.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com.
Supervisor, Chris Odasso

Originally published August 24, 2023.

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