Carole was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Thomas Elwood and her son, Paul Bickimer and grandson, Paul Bickimer. Carole is survived by her children Tom Bickimer (Mary), Mary Ferran (Dave), Leslie Bullington (Greg), Laura Kalmus (Bernie), 21 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Anyone who was blessed to know our Mom experienced her unwavering faith, unconditional love and grace.
Carole was born on April 16th, 1933 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Harold and Bernadette Briggeman. She was the youngest of three. She now joins her siblings, Don (wife, Joanne) and Marilyn (husband, Robert) in heaven.
Carole graduated from Mt. Mary College with a degree in Education and was teaching elementary school when she met her true love, Thomas Elwood Bickimer. They married in 1957 and in the years following joyfully welcomed five children. Together they built a family on a foundation of faith and love. After 16 years of marriage, Carole had to say an early good-bye to her husband, Tom. Leaning on her devout faith, she raised their children with steadfast and unconditional love.
Carole’s family grew to include 21 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She made each grandchild feel unique and special through spending one on one time during their “Grandma Days” together.
Carole enjoyed watching sporting events with her family. A native Hoosier, she was an avid basketball fan who always participated in the family’s March Madness bracket. Carole was also an avid Chiefs fan who rarely missed tuning into their games.
A woman of many talents including art, pottery and gardening – she mastered them all.
Most important in Carole’s life was her service to others. She spent many years volunteering at Seton Center and St. Joseph Hospital.
Carole was a devout Catholic and founding member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church. She remained a member for over 50 years. Carole embraced all she met with grace and compassion. She especially held her many friends close to her heart. Carole was loved by all who knew her, and will be deeply missed.
On Thursday October 1st the rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. followed by a eulogy at 9:50 a.m and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More. The service will be live-streamed beginning at 9:50 a.m. To view, click the Join Live Stream button on this site. After the service, burial and internment will be held for the family at Mount Moriah Cemetery South.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions be made to Seton Center, 2816 East 23rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64127 or Urban Rangers, 5908 Swope Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64130.
