Caroline Wells Donaldson

Caroline Wells Donaldson passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital on May 1, 2019, after a four year struggle with ovarian cancer.  Caroline was born June 18, 1964, the third child of Malcolm M. Donaldson and Deborah J. Donaldson. Caroline is survived by her three children Fiona I. A. Coleman, Quentin A. Coleman, and Forrester W. Coleman; the children have the support of their father, David A. Coleman to help them through this difficult time. Also in mourning are Caroline’s siblings, Hamilton M. Donaldson, Adele D. Donaldson, and Thomas C. Donaldson and their respective families, and a multitude of friends, near and far, accumulated over the course of an all-too brief but well-lived life.

Caroline earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, in 1997. She and her family took up residence in Champaign-Urbana in 2000. Caroline worked as a board-certified veterinary toxicologist at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

A restless spirit from a family of restless spirits, Caroline lived in a number of places in her life before settling in Illinois.  As a child she spent many days skiing with her family and developed a life-long love for riding horses.  Everyone who knew Caroline basked in the light of a woman possessed of an iron will, sharp mind, strong opinions, and a fiercely independent character; they were the qualities that the people close to her most admired.  Without the light of Caroline’s character, the world is a little bit darker for those that knew and loved her, less brilliant, less dazzling.  Caroline was loved, and she will be missed. 

Caroline’s family would like to thank the wonderful medical professionals at Carle for all the skill and compassion that they brought to bear in helping Caroline fight the good fight, and the care they showed helping ease her to that which is beyond.

Friends may greet the family from 1-2 pm on Friday, May 31 at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St, Champaign. The memorial service will begin at 2pm at the funeral home with Rev. Bobby Lane officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, Caroline’s family would ask people contribute to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control center so that they can continue to do the good work to which Caroline dedicated herself to doing.

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