Carol Jean Boughman (nee Gerst) passed away on June 10, 2020. She is survived by her faithful companion and fellow lover of treats, Sassie, three children, Sharon (Don) Hackman, Greg (Sherri) Fisher, and Robyn (Rick) Sharp, one grandson, Dylan Hackman, brother James (Valerie) Gerst, sisters, Ann Toler and Joanne Loeffler, sister-in-law, Carolyn Gerst, several nieces and nephews, and many, many friends. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Bernice Gerst, her husband, Roger Boughman, her brother, Robert Gerst, her sister Jean Price, and brothers-in-law Edward Toler and Ted Loeffler.

Carol was a woman of tremendous strength and resilience. She faced numerous challenges throughout her life, but always pulled herself up. She knew when to ask for help, and she was even better at giving it. She battled alcoholism and won – achieving 35 years of sobriety. Most importantly, she inspired countless others to find that path and gave them the support they needed to stay on it. She was a dedicated sponsor and mentor who dispensed compassion and tough love in equal measure.

Carol had a passion for entertaining, owning a set of dishes for every (and we do mean every) occasion. She was in her element in her little kitchen cooking and baking, especially when she had her daughters with her. Holidays were special, and she had abundant decorations for celebrating all of them. The weekend after Thanksgiving, the laborious process of setting up her precious collection of Santas would begin, and she enjoyed every minute of it, especially since she was usually directing others on where to put them. But we would never call her bossy.

Carol loved shoes and purses and scarves and jewelry (and did we mention dishes?), and she absolutely loved shopping for all of those things, whether at Nordstrom’s or combing through thrift shops with her daughters. A bargain was something never to be passed up. She bled Cardinal red, loved hitting the links (but not on “cart path only” days), and she never missed Jeopardy–one didn’t even think about calling her at 4:30pm on a weekday. She was a staunch Democrat, not shy about sharing her political opinions, and she regularly volunteered as a poll worker during elections. Carol also volunteered her time for many other causes, most notably Alcoholics Anonymous, she participated in research studies at Washington University, and she served on the Board of her condo association. She is likely busy reorganizing heaven right now.

Carol lived the motto “One Day at a Time,” savoring each and every one of them. She had a sense of adventure and loved being on the go, whether to see a movie, have lunch with friends, or spend the weekend at the lake with her “girls.” Carol was loyal, generous with her affection, and she welcomed her children’s spouses with open arms, immediately letting them know they were part of the family. She believed in social justice and fighting for the little guy. She believed in love and faith, family, neighbors and friends, and she surrounded herself with all of them. Truly a life well-lived.

Carol made a genuine difference in the lives of many people and she will be greatly missed. In her honor, we urge you to go out and make the world a better place. Like she did.

Memorial donations may be made to: Members of AA may donate to:
Stray Rescue of St. Louis Five Acres Animal Shelter Central Services of A.A.
2320 Pine St 1099 Pralle Ln 14 Sunnen Dr, Suite 144
St. Louis, MO 63103 St. Charles, MO 63303 St. Louis, MO 63143