Nicoletta Karas Thompson

THOMPSON, Nicoletta Karas (nee Christ), of Oakwood died peacefully, Saturday, August 14, 2010 at age 85. Mrs. Thompson was born April 15, 1925 in Canton, Ohio and spent her early years in Albany, New York and Youngstown, Ohio. She came to Dayton in 1952 following her marriage to attorney Nicholas C. Karas. Nick and Nicki had one child, Pamela and enjoyed an active and happy 14 year marriage before his death in 1966. In addition to Nick's law practice, he and Nicki began investing in real estate. Subsequent to Nick's death, Nicki continued to successfully manage that company. In 1981, she married Nicholas J. Thompson, M.D. They had a joyful, but short union ending with his death in 1982. Mrs. Thompson was an enthusiastic supporter of Dayton, and the local arts community, having served in a variety of capacities on the Associate Board of the Dayton Art Institute, the Dayton Philharmonic Volunteers Association, the Opera Guild of Dayton, and the Community Blood Center. She was active in the Vanguard Concert Series. She chaired both the Dayton Art Institute Ball and the Dayton Philharmonic Volunteers Association Designers Showhouse V, 'The Canby House'. She was an Emeritus member of The Miami Valley Hospital Foundation Board and a longtime member of Dayton Country Club. She thrived in her community and civic efforts. She delighted in her vast circle of friends who brought her great joy and companionship. In addition to Mr. Karas and Dr. Thompson, Mrs. Thompson was also preceded in death by her sister, Theodora Christ of Youngstown and her sister-in-law, Jeanette Karas Hays. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Karas Carroll, and her husband C. Patrick Carroll, M.D., two granddaughters, Lauren Nicoletta (Mrs. Matthew S.) Meier, and Kara Shroyer Stockmyer, one great granddaughter, Nicoletta Isabelle Meier, 3 step children, James Nicholas Thompson, M.D. of Augusta, Georgia, Peter James Thompson of Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Connie Thompson (Mrs. Herbert M.) Sayers of Potosi, Missouri and various other family members. She was aided in her later life by her loving care giver, Nancy Reed of Centerville. Nancy found innumerable ways to enhance Nicki's life. She provided friendship, companionship and assisted in preserving Nicki's sense of dignity. The family would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Place of Oakwood for their care of Nicki for the past 5 years and Hospice of Dayton who cared for her in her last days. She never lost the smile with which she greeted family and friends. For those who wish to make a donation in Mrs. Thompson�s memory, the family suggests The Miami Valley Hospital Foundation, 31 Wyoming Street, Dayton, Ohio 45409, The Alzheimer's Association of Dayton, 3797 Summitt Glen Drive, Dayton, Ohio 45449, or Hospice of Dayton 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45420. A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 in the chapel of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 33 W. Dixon Avenue, Oakwood. Following the service, the family will greet friends and celebrate Nicki's life at the home of her daughter and son-in-law. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.

Funeral Home:
Kettering Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429