Carol Lynn Israel

Carol Lynn Israel was born in Germany to Ralph John and Geneva (Shearer) Dolan on May 11, 1951. She grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was the youngest of three children. She had two children and two grandchildren, all of whom she loved very much. She passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Carol proudly graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School in 1969 and carried her Lutheran faith with her for 73 years. She was in telecommunications and administration at General Telephone Electric (GTE) and Executone before going back to school in her forties to finish her college degree. She graduated IPFW with a 4.0 GPA and later retired from Fort Wayne Community Schools as an elementary school teacher. She had tremendous passion and love for her students, and her classroom often hosted children from other rooms who needed a little behavioral refresh.

Carol was an amazing cook and avid camper. She could turn any grill or campfire into a 5-star restaurant. She was most known for her barbecue chicken, baked sweet potatoes, and Campers’ Stew. She loved talk radio and would engage anyone in heated political conversation. In her retirement, she watched entirely too much Weather Channel and was known to shout when the Colts were actively losing.

She taught her daughter, Sara, and her granddaughter, Haley, to love and appreciate “oldies” music. Her biggest passion was rescuing animals in need of food, shelter, or love. Countless animals owe her a debt of gratitude, including Sara and Haley’s favorite cat, Sam - found by Carol and her friend Joanie on the day he was born. Carol had a famous green thumb that she lovingly passed onto her grandson, Kyle.

Carol’s family will hold a private service to celebrate her life and honor her passing. We extend our warmest appreciation for everyone who helped and supported her in life, and we mourn with you now in her death.