Obituary of Carol Elaine Thonger

May 5, 1944 – Calgary, Alberta

June 8, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Carol Thonger (nee Donaldson), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the age of 79 years.

Carol was born in Calgary, AB, on May 5, 1944, to Albert and Dorothy Donaldson.

During her time in high school, Carol was instilled with the desire to help people.  As soon as she graduated, she went straight into Nursing School and thereafter followed a long career as an Operating Room Nurse, that she (mostly) loved.  Her passion for nursing was so evident that it inspired her cousin, Marsha, to follow in her footsteps and become a nurse as well.

In her retirement and even before, Carol was an avid sports fan. She enjoyed watching the Toronto Blue Jays and the Calgary Stampeders, as long as it could be done from the comfort of her home. She also enjoyed cheering on the Canadian or Albertan teams when the various Curling Briars were on.

Of course, she could not just watch the sports without keeping her hands busy. During her relaxation time, she would work on various cross-stitch patterns and knitting. Most of her knitting took the form of baby blankets and bundles which she would offer for sale, with the cross-stitch, at a local craft sale in November. She was starting to consider making a few blankets for donation to the local hospitals for new or sick babies.

Carol leaves behind her former husband, John Thonger; daughter, Khia Burrows; son, Conrad Thonger; and two grandchildren, Michelle Thonger and Braydon Cooper; all who reside in Alberta. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Mary Donaldson of Ontario, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Carol was predeceased by her parents Albert and Dorothy Donaldson.

She will be remembered as a quiet woman who was not afraid to tell people what she thought and was always there when her family needed her. She was very deeply loved and will be, as deeply, missed.

In accordance with her wishes, Carol did not want a funeral or Celebration of Life. She wanted her friends and family to go to a restaurant, dine, and raise a glass to her memory.  While Carol loved receiving flowers, she is no longer able to enjoy them. Therefore, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a cause which the donor feels would help make the world a better place.  Two of the causes she supported were the Alberta Diabetes Foundation and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

In living memory of Carol, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.