Edna Carol Szokoly

E. Carol Szokoly was the first child born to Edna and Walter Kirch of Pittsburgh, PA on December 25, 1927. In recognition of her birthdate, she retained the name Carol throughout her lifetime and developed quite a sense of humor.

Carol graduated from Carnegie Mellon’s Margaret Morrison School of Fashion Design in 1951. She was an accomplished seamstress and sewed her clothing throughout her life. She loved crafts and fine handwork, creating beaded flowers and art pieces.

During her college years, she learned to drive a car and took some flight instruction. She flew a small plane over her parents’ house, dipping her wing in salute to her mother who was hanging wash out on the line.

Carol met Stephen Charles Szokoly and married on July 13, 1957. They followed his Army service placement and moved to Miami, Florida where they had two children, Stephen Walter Szokoly and James Norman Szokoly. She worked as an Administrative Assistant for the VA in Miami. Later, she also enjoyed working at the Dade County Extension office, participating with 4-H clubs and the annual Youth Fairs.

Carol enjoyed travelling to Pittsburgh in the summer and to her parents’ cottage in Bemus Point, NY. She was enthralled with chocolates sent from her Bemus Point friends and fudge she shared with her sister. She also enjoyed many cats over her lifetime.

Carol was very active with her Miami church, most recently Central Church of Christ. She volunteered in the church library, cataloguing and organizing the materials. She worked with the Cancer relief group and provided housing for college aged students of the Ministry. She enjoyed following current events and was always on top of the candidates running for office.

Carol was predeceased by her husband, Steve, her son Jim and his wife Becky, and her brother, John H. Kirch. Carol is survived by her sister Grace Work and her son Steve (Barbara Anne), Nieces Cynthia Holzheimer (Steve) and Barbara Kirch Grudt (Kris), Nephews Robert Kirch (CarolLynne), Bruce Kirch (Pam Wood.) and Lawrence Monteith. She has two grandchildren from her son Jim’s first marriage: Andrew (Jessica) and Daniel (Amanda.)

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be directed to AVOW Hospice. (link below)