Carol A. Gundlah

Carol Anne Gundlah (née Dioszeghy), age 91, of Grayson, Georgia, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior after a life faithfully lived in love, service, and song. Affectionately known as “Christmas Carol” by the caring staff at Dogwood Forest in Grayson, where she most recently resided, she brought joy, warmth, and music to all who knew her.

Carol was born on February 9, 1934, in Queens, New York, to Claire and Joseph Dioszeghy. She was raised in New Jersey and graduated from Westwood High School. She went on to attend Bob Jones University and earned her teaching degree from William Paterson University.

On January 19, 1957, she married the love of her life, James Arthur Gundlah, in Westwood, NJ. Together they shared 65 devoted years of marriage, raising a loving family and building a legacy rooted in faith.

Carol taught elementary school for many years in the Emerson and Norwood Public Schools in New Jersey, bringing compassion and creativity into every classroom she entered.

Carol’s love for the Lord was evident in every part of her life. Her salvation, received as a young girl during a backyard Bible club where she also played piano, was her most treasured gift. Her life verse, Psalm 16:11, was lovingly inscribed in every Bible she gave to others. She remained a devoted member and servant in various churches including First Baptist Hackensack, Hawthorne Gospel Church, Fardale Trinity Church, and Tabernacle Baptist Church. Her ministry involvement included Backyard Bible Clubs, Pioneer Girls, Carol Choir, Adult Choir, Vacation Bible School, Bread of Life, and nursing home outreach.

Music was at the heart of who Carol was. A gifted pianist, organist, and singer, she joyfully shared her talents in schools, churches, choirs, and wherever there was a piano and an audience. She also loved to travel—exploring both the U.S. and Europe—and always had a good book close at hand, especially historical novels and mysteries. Her love of hummingbirds and her porch in Rydal, GA brought her special delight.

She is survived by her loving children: Linda Gundlah, Arthur (Tammy) Gundlah, Janet (Thomas) Hodges, Brenda Gundlah, and Philip (Marie) Gundlah. Cherished grandchildren: Jason (Dorian) Hodges, Nathan (Megan) Hodges, Jeremy (Krysten) Hodges, Victoria (Scott) Mooney, Andrew Gundlah, Amber (Matt) Redlin, Patrick (Emily) Gundlah, Alexandra Gundlah, Mark Burger, Christopher Burger, Madison (Jared) Gundlah, Olivia Gundlah, and Leah Gundlah. Precious great-grandchildren: Evelyn and Shiloh Hodges, Denver and Charlotte Hodges, Parker and Kayleigh Mooney, Eden Redlin, and Brynleigh Gundlah.

She is also survived by her brother John (Nancy) Dioszeghy; sister-in-law Sylverne Gundlah; and a multitude of beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James A. Gundlah; her parents Claire and Joseph Dioszeghy; brothers James (Marcelle) Dioszeghy and Peter Whitman; and in-laws Arthur and Myrtle Gundlah, Florence (Stuart), Robert (Marjorie), and Theodore.

Carol’s life was one of faithful devotion—to God, to her family, and to all she encountered. She was a prayer warrior, a joyful presence, and a true servant of Christ. Her legacy will continue in the lives she touched and the music she shared.

A private committal service will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery.