Carol Gerhardt Lagesse

Carol Gerhardt Lagesse was the daughter of Burrell and Margaret (Peggy) Gerhardt. She leaves behind her siblings, Don (Jean Marie), Jack (Anita), Connie (Gary), Sandy (Bob), Patty (Steve), and Mary (Jay); children, Christopher (Nicole), Richard Jr., and Charity (TC) , along with grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Richard.

Carol grew up in Denver, Colorado where she attended the University of Colorado in Boulder. After visiting her sister Connie and enjoying Arizona’s warm climate, she relocated to Phoenix where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business and Management from the University of Phoenix.

Carol and Richard then started their company “R & C Consulting”, which developed and delivered training for the federal government and private entities on all aspects of human rights, civil rights, and other issues related to employment and human resources.

Carol went on to serve as Operations Manager for the Institute for Mental Health Research from 2002 to 2017, where according to the founder and CEO, she was “the glue that held the Institute of Mental Health together.”

She volunteered for Hospice of the Valley along with many other organizations that served people in need. After retirement she enjoyed traveling and being with friends and family, especially her grandsons Anthony and Cade, who were her sunshine.

Carol surrounded herself with love, which is why giving, volunteering, and helping others came so naturally to her. She truly was a walking angel on earth.

She was diagnosed with cancer in June of this year and passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 17, 2023. In the time leading up to her passing she was surrounded by her friends and family.

Her life was full of compassion as well as unconditional love and assistance for her family and friends. She will be remembered for her smile, encouragement to others, and loving and caring nature.

Carol is loved and deeply missed, leaving wonderful memories for those who knew and loved her.