Laura Thompson

Laura C. Thompson

Laura Vale Carroll Thompson, 56, our sweet wife, mother, "nana", daughter, sister, and friend peacefully passed away on March 5, 2012 surrounded by her loving family after a 3 A� year fight with ovarian cancer.

Laura was born on February 14, 1956 to Richard John "Pat" Carroll and Maxine Louise Koskela in Great Falls, Montana.  Her affinity and talent for music began at a young age when she began taking voice, flute, piccolo, and piano lessons.  This talent for music eventually brought her to Weber State University on a music scholarship where she majored in Elementary Education and minored in Music.  It was also at Weber State where she met her future eternal companion, Randel Thompson.  They were married on August 19, 1978 in Great Falls and were later sealed as an eternal family in the Salt Lake Temple.

Laura spent 28 years as a teacher at Orchard Elementary in West Valley City and after retiring there she spent 2 more years teaching at Copper Canyon Elementary in Tooele.  Teaching young children was her passion in life and she absolutely loved every moment she spent in her career.  Her love for all of her students still shows in the relationships she maintained with many of her students, some now grown adults and some still young.  Many of her greatest friendships were developed with her colleagues and she greatly treasured these friendships.

Her cancer diagnosis finally ended her teaching career but she did not let that stop her from living life to the fullest.  She spent the past three years as an avid quilter and seamstress, making quilts and different projects for family and friends.  She loved taking business road trips with her husband and would often take her quilting projects along with her.  Her passion for travel was magnified during this time and she managed to fit in 5 cruises, numerous business road trips, and most recently a Church history trip to Nauvoo.  Her greatest time, however, was spent surrounded by her family and her precious grandchildren.

Laura was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when she was 29 years old and she spent the next 27 years serving as a diligent disciple of Christ.  She served in many different capacities in the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations.  Her musical talents served her well as ward organist, choir director, and her last calling as Primary pianist.  Her testimony and love for the Savior never wavered during her health trials and her example will be greatly treasured.

Laura is survived by her loving husband, Randy; children: Kristi, Jenna (Carl) Aldrich, and Patricia (Dwayne); 2 beloved grandchildren Dylan and Kamryn; parents Pat and Maxine Carroll; sister Donna (Chuck) Abrams; brother Mike Carroll; sisters- and brothers-in-law; and numerous nephews and nieces.  She is preceded in death by her brother, Richard Carroll; and parents-in-law, Vermont and Joy Thompson.

A viewing will be held Thursday, March 8, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. at Peel Funeral Home, 8525 W. 2700 S., Magna and prior to funeral services from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the Lake Point Chapel.  Funeral services will be held Friday, March 9, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Lake Point Chapel, 1366 Canyon Road, Lake Point. Interment will be at the Lake Point Cemetery.

Click here to listen to a recording of the service