Mom's Memorial Garden

I met Carol back in the 1970's when we both worked at Grafton Clinic in Grafton, WI. Carol was our lab tech and I worked in the business office. 

Carol was a fun-loving gal. I don't think ever had an enemy. She was so easy to love and she loved everyone, in return. When Joe got transferred from Fromm Labs in Grafton and she left us, I was so sad but through all these years and a few other moves, Carol and I kept in touch, mostly by emailing. When she passed, I lost one of my very best friends. She will, truly, be missed by many, I'm sure - such a real sweetie Carol was.  I feel I should just sit down at my computer and  sending  her an email, telling her how much I loved her. I will miss her dearly.

Ren, 

I just read your plans on your mom's memorial.  I think that sounds amazing and something she would love.  It was her that peaked my interest in planets and the space station.  I don't know that I will be able to attend in person, but I will be watching for her as she passes over head.  :)

Much love,

- Kerry 

I suppose it's time.  I have been avoiding posting as in doing so, I would have to accept that the memories of special times and love are now the only things I have to hold onto.  Carol was my aunt, but more importantly she was one of my dearest friends.  We sent emails with stories of our wildlife sightings, critter antics and just shared life in general from afar.  It was easier to visit when she lived in Omaha, but we were making plans for a visit in Oregon.  She has been an integral part of my family having embraced my daughters throughout their growing up.  Carol had an exceptional heart.  She so enjoyed her people: grad students, colleagues, neighbors, friends and family.  She had the unique gift of meeting and accepting people where they were, respected who they were and enjoyed spending time.  I will forever cherish the 1:1 times, texts, emails and conversations we had.   She will be missed beyond measure.   

One of my favorite memories working with Carol was seeing her wondering around the lab obviously looking for something.  When asked she would say "reading glasses".  Typically she would have one pair on her forehead and another around her neck.  At the time I thought it was humorous, these days it seem much less so as I struggle to read small type.

I can't tell you what all of these posts have meant to me.  I can feel my mom smiling at them all.  Thank you everyone.  This has been so hard, and yet somehow seeing people from all over the country reaching out to honor my mom...well it couldn't be better.   I always thought she was easy to love and admire and through your eyes I see it wasn't just me being biased...she really was an amazing being.

Much love to everyone

Ren

My mom (94) had just received a lovely Birthday card from Carol with such a sweet handwritten note inside.  We had such a great visit with you all in AZ and I absolutely loved the relationship of mother & daughter and all the stories shared.  I will smile with every memory of her! Love and hugs from your AZ family. 

Ren & Gabbi,  

I have sent you some memories & photos via personal email, but I would also like to post my condolences here on Carol's Memorial site.  

We grew up together in Ansted, WV, and in our younger years, we  thought we were real cousins because we shared many of the same relatives through Kat (my side) and Bill (her side) Hoffman, and we attended many family gatherings together.  Then as we got older, we figured out that we were not truly blood cousins; so we started referring to ourselves as "Almost Cousins," and that's the way she signed my high school yearbook..."Almost-cousin, Carol 'Max'"

She was definitely the smartest one in our class, and she graduated Valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 GPA, but she was also one of the most popular members of our class & was very active in all aspects of our school life.  She was one of the editors of our yearbook (The Highlander), was in the Nat'l Honor Society, was a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, was on the staff of our school newspaper (The Trail), was the winner of the Betty Crocker Award, was West Virginia's 1965 Homemaker of Tomorrow Award winner, was one of the princesses in the Snow Queen's court, and was in the Band, Glee Club, and Math Club.  Whew!!  

We were also at WVU together, and I could tell that she was going to do great things as she excelled in her studies there in the very tough medical technology field.  

It was always fun when we got to see each other again over the years after after AHS and WVU; so we could catch up & remember our growing up years.  And at each meeting we would always give each other a hug and say, "Hello, Almost Cousin."  :)   And just so you know, that makes you two "Almost Cousins," too!

She was a terrific person & we will miss her so!

Blessings to you both,

Almost Cousin, Jack

A million memories of sweet Carol are flooding in, filling my heart and washing away the grief. Carol exemplified poise, grace, patience, and a genuine West Virginia charm that put people immediately at ease. She was a brilliant, thoughtful researcher who gently guided untold numbers of graduate students through their research, reminding them often to live a full life as they worked toward their goals. Carol lived by this advice. Carol never ceased to amaze me with her deep knowledge of so many subjects. She knew A LOT about MANY things, not only because she was a voracious reader but because she lived so large. I know that she loved her life in Oregon and how much Ren and Gabbi must have loved having her live close. Carol touched so many lives in so many beautiful ways. The world is truly a better place because of precious Carol; she is sorely missed.

Carol and I were childhood friends.  Her cousin Roberta and Billy lived very close to me and  Carol and I would connect and go to Wall’s Department Store and she would rearrange toys and we would just have the best time.  She also clued me in about Santa Claus.  Always ahead of her time!  A lovely lady!  A very compassionate and smart person.

Carol and I are cousins that grew up in a small town where we shared holidays, birthdays and anything else you could celebrate.She was like my sister.Carol always liked books and reading. I jokingly once said you must have read every book I’m the library. She laughed (the laugh I’m going to miss so much) and said maybe because I just read how to ID  roadkill. I will miss her sweet demeanor, intelligence, kindness, humbleness and periodic phone conversations.  We laughed as we reminisced about our childhood. Rens grandmother Carols mother was a very colorful person who gave us many fun memories to ponder and laugh. Carol left us with wisdom that she quietly imparted. I’m going to miss calling her when a new vaccine comes out or some new cancer research is announced. I’m so blessed to have shared my life with Carol. My condolences to Ren and Gabby. I know Carol in her humbleness did not realize all the goodness she spread throughout her life.  I’m missing her so much it hurts but grateful for her life. The butterfly picture is so appropriate as she has now spread her wings.

me and my family thought the world of Emily and Carol.....so much so she has a name sake my sister Carol

Wasn’t unusual for Carol and I to say hello when we were in UNMC’s Buffet Cancer Centers research elevators.  Carol was smiling hello always with her open face.  Good life Carol!!!  

So sorry to hear of Carols passing. So so sad! I was named after Carol. Good memories of visiting her when I young and hanging out at the campground with her mom and dad. RIH sweet Carol. 

Ren, Gabbi and all of dear Carol's family........and friends,
I lost one of my best friends this week. We've been friends for many years since we worked together at the Grafton Clinic in the 70's. She was a wonderful, delightful, loving woman and a very dear, dear friend, even tho we became miles apart.
I'll, truly, miss our fun conversations via emails.......forever!
My most sincere sympathy to Ren and Gabbi and all who loved Carol as I did. I'm sure she DID make many friends in the many places that she and Joe called 'home'! Rest in peace, my dear Carol!
Love you forever . . . . .
Karen Kenner

Gramma, I feel so beyond blessed to have been able to spend the time I did with you before your passing. In the last few years we’ve baked and decorated many cookies, made sushi together, went out for a bite, had many girls dates w moms, and got to spend so much quality time together that I will always remember and cherish for life. You have always been so wise, kind, intelligent and full of amazing stories. You were the best gramma a girl could’ve hoped for. I have so many memories growing up with you and grampa, you guys spoiled me rotten and I loved every minute of it. It never changed when I got older and continued to feel so loved and cared for by you. It breaks my heart you had to part with us, and I only wish I could’ve been there to hold your hand as you left this world. I am so grateful for the days we had in Vancouver together leading up to your passing, and I’m comforted to know your baby (my momma) was able to be right there with you in your last few days. You’ve touched my heart and those around me who’ve had the pleasure to meet you in ways we could never explain. I love you, and I know you and grampa will be watching over me for the many years to come, until we meet again. Enjoy the library in the sky and know I will think of you with every story I read, animal I see, and cookies I eat. 🕊