Carol Ann Kozak

Carol was born on July 5, 1943. She passed peacefully on June 20, 2026 at the Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland, surrounded by her most precious “gems” – her kids and grandkids.

Carol served her community as a registered nurse and school nurse for over 40 years. She provided unwavering compassion and care to those she cared for at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton NY, then later at Susquehanna Valley Middle School in Conklin, NY. She chose to leave hospital nursing for school nursing to have more time with her kids. During her tenure as a school nurse, she became a fierce advocate and caretaker for all students in the district. It was during this time Carol received the “Nurse of Distinction” award that recognized her outstanding contribution to the community and highlighted her excellence in the nursing profession.

Despite her demanding career, her greatest joy and most important work was her family. As a mother, she nurtured and supported her children with boundless patience, strength, and wisdom. She taught them the importance of perseverance, kindness, honesty, the value of hard work, and always having compassion for others. Her love multiplied with the arrival of her grandchildren who were the absolute highlight of her life. She moved to Albany, NY after retirement to be closer to her grandchildren. She spent time at pageants, recitals, sports games, birthday parties – you name it, she was there. This precious time created beloved memories the grandkids will cherish forever.

When she wasn’t caring for her patients or family, Carol could most often be found socializing with friends, crafting, reading, or gardening. Her flower gardens were more than just flowers; they reflected the patience, compassion, love, and spirit she put into the world.

Carol will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, strength, laughter, spunk, and devotion to her family. She showed her love to others by making moments matter, listening in ways that made people feel understood, and providing unwavering support to ensure people were cared for and safe. A gift that will surely be missed is her handwritten notes that made each person she touched feel special.

Carol is survived by her former husband, Duane Kozak; her brother in-law, Alan Kozak; her two sisters, Sharon Moomey (Rusty Moomey) and Maureen Regan (the late Gerald Regan); her three children, Lora Becker (Tom Becker), Jennifer Hoffman (Jeffrey Hoffman), and Steven Kozak (John Perell); her five grandchildren: Caroline, Katie, and Kurt Becker, and Addie and Alex Hoffman; and several nieces and nephews. 

She will be honored at a celebration of life in Albany, NY at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Luminis Health Gilchrist Lifecare Institute (in Memory of Carol Kozak).