Thomas Soper Obituary

Soper, MD, Thomas G.

May 20, 1935 - December 17, 2021

Tom passed away peacefully in his home at The Mather Evanston on December 17, 2021, at the age of 86. A life-long Evanstonian, he graduated from ETHS in 1953, after which he attended Princeton University and the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Following his surgical residency, Tom was admitted to the Northwestern Medical School faculty and joined the staff of Evanston Hospital, where he taught and practiced general surgery until his retirement in 1995.

As a child, Tom spent "ten of the best summers of my life" at his maternal grandfather's "Home Ranch" outside of Anaconda, Montana. He spent his days there horseback riding, tending the Hampshire sheep, fishing, hiking and exploring the countryside with his brother and sister.

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Julie Kelly (ETHS '54) in 1958. They settled in Evanston where they raised their three children, Tommy, Carolyn and Stephen, with whom he shared his passions for skiing, wind-surfing and tennis. After Julie's passing in November 2000, Tom was blessed with love again when he married Joan Todd. They shared 18 wonderful years of love, friendship and adventure, some of which included dance cruises, camping in the U.S., Caribbean and New Zealand, and hiking up to Ten Mile Lakes in Montana. Tom and Joan moved to The Mather in 2010, where Tom introduced ping pong to the residents, earning the affectionate nickname of "King Pong" for his skill, patience and the laughter he brought to anyone interested in joining the game. In addition to his ping pong prowess, Tom had a desire to help preserve the Monarch population and so began raising butterflies in his home, releasing as many as 80 of them each summer. As his health and memory began to decline, this was a hobby he continued to enjoy.

Tom is preceded in death by his wife, Julie, his son Thomas E. Soper, MD, his brother Bob Soper and sister Sally Gray. He is survived by his wife Joan, his daughter Carolyn (Charles) Stearns, son Stephen L. Soper, grandchildren Charlie, Stephen and Katie Stearns, as well as nieces, nephews and a host of friends, colleagues, and patients, all of whom will always remember his contagious smile, his sense of humor, and his zest for life.

Tom's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of The Mather, especially those in the LifeCentre, for all the years of kindness and care they gave Tom.

For those wishing to make a donation in Tom's memory, please consider the Alzheimer's Association (act.alz.org).

Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 9, 2022.
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2 Entries

Tom was one of my best friends at ETHS. When his family lived on Colfax, we would get together often.

Bob Meyer

School

January 13, 2022

Very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was one of the stars of our class at ETHS. We should have had more reunions!

Martin Tangora

January 9, 2022

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