Carol Jean Rodgers

Carol was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 19, 1944 to Mike and Helen Lauria. She was that little Italian girl on Somerset Street that would guard your car when you went to watch the Phillies play baseball. Carol married Roland on June 19, 1965 (Col. US Army-Ret.). It was during her husband’s first overseas assignment that Carol learned the Army way of life. For twenty-six years, Carol, Roland and their three sons moved from Germany to Korea and all points in between. Carol became an expert at family logistics during these years, becoming the handy-woman for many trades. No matter the activity (and there were many with three boys), she heavily participated in every activity her children and family did—she was the den mother for her sons’ scouting, and the little league team “Mom” for more teams than one could imagine. She was always the voice to be heard above the crowd at all the children’s games. Carol was very active in the Catholic Church, working as church secretary and as a CCD teacher. She was active as a leader for the Ladies Niner’s Golf League. She was also an active member of the Red Hat Society and was involved in a number of clubs including Mahjong and book club.

Carol is survived by her loving family: husband Roland; children Jimmy (wife Cheryl), Michael (wife Shirley) and David; grandchildren Rebecca, Sydney, Vincent, Tess, and Luke; sister Bonnie; brothers-in-law Nick and Frank; and niece Erin.

A visitation will be held from 6–8 p.m. on February 21, 2011 at the Mansion Memorial Funeral Home at 1400 36th Avenue, East in Ellenton, Florida. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on February 22, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church at 12001 69th Street East, Parrish, Florida. For those wishing to attend, burial will be at Sarasota National Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to Tidewell Hospice (Philanthropy Dept., 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238) or to your favorite charity. Thank you to all who touched Carol and made her life such a wonderful experience.