Carol D Bongers

Carol DePaulis Bongers, 81, of Avon Lake, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, surrounded by the people who loved her most.

Carol was born on November 11, 1944, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Harry and Norma (Rogers) DePaulis. She was the oldest of two daughters and carried that role with strength, spirit, and a deep sense of connection to the people she loved. Her years at Strong Vincent High School always remained close to her heart. The friendships she made there lasted a lifetime, and she never missed a reunion.

Carol walked her own path from the very beginning. She attended Lake Erie College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, pursuing her education with tenacity, resilience, and independence at a time when doing so meant pushing beyond traditional expectations. Later in life, she again led by example, earning her Master of Education degree from Cleveland State University to show her children and her students what determination and lifelong learning could make possible.

Carol was a devoted French teacher at Mentor Memorial Junior High in Mentor, Ohio, and she left a lasting mark on generations of students and colleagues. She believed education should open doors and widen horizons. Throughout her career, she worked to bring a broader view of the world to the young people she taught, including developing a beloved European travel and education program inspired by her own love of discovery, learning, and adventure. She had a special gift for helping students see that the world was bigger, richer, and more full of possibility than they may have imagined.

She was passionate, fearless, loving, and strong, with just the right amount of toughness. She met life head on and helped others do the same. Whether with family, friends, or students, Carol had a way of showing people paths that created forward momentum. She was a steady force, and a person whose presence could fill a room.

Carol was also a proud member of the Western Reserve Junior League, where she formed lifelong friendships rooted in service and charitable work. She and her husband also supported the Kidney Foundation, a cause that was meaningful to them.

Later in life, Carol found the love of her life in Michael J. Bongers, whom she married in December 2006. Together they built a life filled with love, companionship, laughter, adventure, and, of course, a few one-sided rules that somehow always seemed to work in Carol’s favor. Their time together brought her great joy.

In death as in life, Carol made brave decisions and chose her path with grace.

Carol is survived by her loving husband, Michael; her children, Roger Jordan Brandt and Cynthia Byron Brandt (Wrae Wene); her sister, Cynthia Sherly; and many dear friends, former students, and extended family members whose lives were made better by knowing her. She was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Norma DePaulis.

Carol’s spirit, humor, and sassiness will be reflected forever in part of her home’s hardscape, a tribute to an unknown young lady, Ida, “She has done what she could”.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at a later date. For information, please email Cynthia Brandt at [email protected].