Friends are forever. You might lose them, but you'll never forget them.

Anthony and the Caruso family,
I have called Carol my friend since high school. I remember her coming home to be in my wedding as if it were yesterday.
Even though we were miles apart, we always kept in touch. Every spring when I came to Arizona we got together. She always had time for John & me. She also included & welcomed our children when they were in town.
I was fortunate to be one of the hundreds at her funeral. As I looked around the Church and saw people young & old--all people whose lives she impacted in some way, it made it very clear just how special she was.
I did come to Arizona in the spring as usual, but it was much different this time. I did have a nice visit with Pat & Mrs Caruso. I also went to the cemetery where Carol was laid to rest--not going to lie, it was tough.
I will miss her & our friendship but I know she is watching & guiding from above.
As I finish writing this, it's 10:47, and Carol you are loved.
Karen


It's been about 2 months since God decided you completed your time here on this Earth...The pain of missing you is more than I can imagine...I want to pick up the phone so often and share things with you...like our BIG April Snow Blizzard...2018!!
Thank you for being our big sister , so we knew what quiet leadership looked like.. thank you for your patience with me, (especially)when my friends and I wanted to follow you and your "cool" friends around FdL....thanks for not being too mad when I borrowed your new clothes without asking!!!!
I was so proud  to work at the Y with you, be in your synchronized swim shows every summer,and teach swim lessons with you,  to most of the FdL!!!
I was so sad when you went away to college....though I didn't tell that, I loved it when you came home for the summer and we would work together again at the pools.
I can't say enough of how she loved my 3 kids, wheather we were out in AZ or wheather she came to WI for a Packer game..She loved hanging with them!!!
But more than anything, thanks for helping with our parents over the years as they started the aging process....Jim and Marla, you got this!!!!!
Never did I hear you complain, just your famous expression , "ey yi Yi"
Thanks for the gift of laughter,like the time the rider lawn mower went into the pool, (talk about memories)...
I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU FOREVER
I PROMISE TO LOVE ON CALEB AND ELI WHENEVER I CAN
PS..did I ever thank you for not complaining when we had to share SO MANY birthday parties of ours??;!!!!

Of all my relatives, I think I have the most in common with my Aunt Carol. When I was thinking about it, I even started to jot down a list of what things we both enjoyed, and list making was the first thing I wrote down, which made me smile as I thought about the rest: List making, all things Disney, the Green Bay Packers, playing games, a extreme love for dogs, swimming, school, traveling, shoes, sticky notes, organization, sugar-free candy, and driving little red SUVs. I thought that was a pretty good list until my mom was talking to us about how much her sister loved all the nieces and nephews You wouldn't believe all the clothes she would send you three! Her love for my cousins, brothers, and me was amazing, and was shown through more than just gifts. I thought about how I spoil my niece and nephews and can only hope that I can be the same kind of aunt to them as Carol was to me to add to our similarities. It was said many times while we share about Carol, but she made everyone feel so important and loved. 

The first time she came to Wisconsin with Anthony to visit was eye-opening. I had been the youngest grandchild on the Caruso side of the family for several years and was excited to have a new, little cousin. The first morning we had breakfast together, Anthony spilled his cereal. Milk flew everywhere, and he started crying. I mean, he full-on lost it over spilled milk. In my experience, you just got the paper towels, cleaned it up, and blamed it on someone else. Carol came in right way, pick up Anthony, sat him on her lap, and simply sat and rubbed his back, letting him cry on her shoulder until he was done. I knew there were different kinds of love, but didn't really get that people need different love from different people at different times in their lives.  We heard a lot of people share their stores about how they felt like they were the most special person in the world when they were with Carol, and I feel truly blessed to have both witnessed and experienced the different types of love she had to offer, because she always knew it wasn't really about spilled milk.

Carol introduced me to what it meant to serve others. Entering my freshman year in high school, Carol took me on my first of many missions...VBS with the Missionaries of Charity in Gallup,NM. Seeing her passion for others and for youth was such an inspiration to me and so many. I am forever changed and thankful for having Carol be a part of my life. I will miss her smile and laugh, but will always be reminded of her when I see so many of those she's touched go out into the world and love thy neighbor.

Aunt Carol, 
How unbelievable it was to see the church filled. All those people expressing the impact you had on their lives. We, your family, knew how incredible you were; but how great that others had the same recognition. You made everyone feel important. Your visits to Indiana meant so much to me. From trying to complete an escape room in handcuffs to going on an art scavenger hunt, you were down to try anything. Thank you also for helping me surprise my parents two days before you passed. That last sleepover and hangout mean more to me than you'll ever know. I am the lucky one for getting to know you, love you and be loved by you. 

I love you!

When I took over Student Council at Bourgade Catholic High School in 2015 after Carol had been in charge of it for 16 years, I was nervous and intimidatedshe did it so well! She took the time to not only assure me that I could do it, but her door was literally always open for me to ask questions, express frustrations, and share lots of laughs. I could never have been successful in Student Council without her, and I so appreciate the time she took to ensure that I could do it too. She was so proud of what our students were capable of, and her support and guidance never failed. I can only hope to emulate the energy and positivity she infused in Student Council. 

We went on our annual Disneyland trip yesterday, something she so enjoyed and was fantastic at! It felt strange without her there, but I know she was there with us in spirit because it ran so smoothly, just the way anything originally planned and organized by her would. She is greatly missed, and we will continue to remember her and the incredible light she gave to our lives. 

In loving memory of Carol Caruso, who made every day magical!

My deepest sympathy to Anthony and the Caruso family.  Those we hold most dear never truly leave us. They live on in the kindnesses they showed, the comfort they shared and the love they brought into our lives. Carol was always a joy to be around in high school. She brighten everyone's life.

I met Carol in high school, where she became the Youth Minister at Most Holy Trinity. She was always there when we needed her and that relationship molded into a mentor and friend as I finished high school, went to NAU, got married, and moved on in life.  So many memories: Disneyland trips, retreats, Kairos, sand volleyball in the summer, volunteering at Andre House, hearing about all the mission trips and building houses with Amor.  Those moved on to lunches to catch up and Carol reading at our wedding.  More lunches to catch up and even though they were fewer, they were always the same: amazing and like no time had passed.  I had the opportunity to volunteer on behalf of NAU at BCHS's senior awards ceremony at her request, which was so special to me.  Seeing her in her element after all those years was incredible.  I will cherish being able to do that forever.  Here is my post on the day of her beautiful service:

For a split second, I looked for you today. That familiar smile that made everything okay, even the funerals that seemed to be the meeting place for the old MHT crew in recent years. Only, it was your life we were celebrating. You would do anything for anyone who needed it. From being a support to my family when my Dad passed away to letting me borrow your car for my drivers test so I didn't have to drive a stick to reading at our wedding. Any time we met for lunch, you would say, It's my treat for your birthday, no matter what month it was. No matter how much time had gone by between visits, it was like no time had passed at all and for all of this, I am thankful. I have a feeling you had no idea how many people you had an impact on in your life because it was second nature to you to love unconditionally. In the great words of Foreigner (one of my Kairos songs),  I want to know what love is. I want you to show me. That you did, Carol, that you did. #youareloved

This is my original post from my Facebook page. A friend suggested I also add it here for the family.  It is rather long though, so I hope you don't mind.  

Today I attended the funeral of this beautiful teacher and college counselor from Bourgade Catholic High School. Our family has always thought of Carol Caruso as one of the best reasons to attend Bourgade. She had a huge love for every student and a smile like no other. She worked tirelessly and always with a spirit of joy to help each and every student with college choices, assisting with applications, and finding scholarships to ensure every student at Bourgade, regardless of family income, would be able to go to college. She taught a unique class called College 101 to both of our older sons, Alex ('09) and David ('11) when they were both juniors. If I recall correctly she created this class herself in order to help prepare her high school juniors and seniors for college life. A couple of the things she required of her students for this class was preparing 2 meals at home from scratch, including clean up, and 2 loads of laundry, including sorting, drying, folding and putting away. Both had to be signed off by a parent and submitted for a grade. I remember all her College 101 students had to apply for at least 2 (hope I am remembering correctly) out of state universities and every in-state Arizona university. I think she wanted each student to know they could go anywhere they wanted. But I also think she knew that as each student received letters of acceptance from the schools they applied to, it would be such an amazing boost of confidence to their spirit, and that personified what Carol wanted for each of her students, to know all the opportunities that were open to them.

She also coordinated and led our boys on their yearly school Mexico Mission trips helping to gather the donation of necessary supplies and then traveling to Tijuana to build homes for families who previously had none. Alex and David always came home so profoundly touched from these mission trips - of all they had here in the US compared to what the families in Mexico had.

Carol Caruso was also David's golf coach at Bourgade and it was such a positive experience for him, one that he'll always remember.

Even though it's been 9 years since Alex graduated and 7 since David's graduation, Carol remains in our family's hearts as one of those people that has made such a positive and lasting impact in the lives of our boys, and we will never forget her. When I heard the news of her sudden death last week, I could not believe it and my heart has been so heavy since then. Surely a bright light had gone out from our world.

Her funeral Mass today at St Francis Cathedral was attended by hundreds of friends, family, students, and colleagues and it was packed with standing room only. Fr. Pat Mowrer gave the most heartfelt Mass for this wonderful servant of God. May her soul be in paradise today, and may Jesus fill the hearts of her family and those closest to her with his never ending peace.

This is my original post from my Facebook page, but I wanted to share it here.  I wrote it the day of Carol's funeral. It's long, so I hope you don't mind. 

Today I attended the funeral of this beautiful teacher and college counselor from Bourgade Catholic High School. Our family has always thought of Carol Caruso as one of the best reasons to attend Bourgade. She had a huge love for every student and a smile like no other. She worked tirelessly and always with a spirit of joy to help each and every student with college choices, assisting with applications, and finding scholarships to ensure every student at Bourgade, regardless of family income, would be able to go to college. She taught a unique class called College 101 to both of our older sons, Alex ('09) and David ('11) when they were both juniors. If I recall correctly she created this class herself in order to help prepare her high school juniors and seniors for college life. A couple of the things she required of her students for this class was preparing 2 meals at home from scratch, including clean up, and 2 loads of laundry, including sorting, drying, folding and putting away. Both had to be signed off by a parent and submitted for a grade. I remember all her College 101 students had to apply for at least 2 (hope I am remembering correctly) out of state universities and every in-state Arizona university. I think she wanted each student to know they could go anywhere they wanted. But I also think she knew that as each student received letters of acceptance from the schools they applied to, it would be such an amazing boost of confidence to their spirit, and that personified what Carol wanted for each of her students, to know all the opportunities that were open to them.

She also coordinated and led our boys on their yearly school Mexico Mission trips helping to gather the donation of necessary supplies and then traveling to Tijuana to build homes for families who previously had none. Alex and David always came home so profoundly touched from these mission trips - of all they had here in the US compared to what the families in Mexico had.

Carol Caruso was also David's golf coach at Bourgade and it was such a positive experience for him, one that he'll always remember.

Even though it's been 9 years since Alex graduated and 7 since David's graduation, Carol remains in our family's hearts as one of those people that has made such a positive and lasting impact in the lives of our boys, and we will never forget her. When I heard the news of her sudden death last week, I could not believe it and my heart has been so heavy since then. Surely a bright light had gone out from our world.

Her funeral Mass today at St Francis Cathedral was attended by hundreds of friends, family, students, and colleagues and it was packed with standing room only. Fr. Pat Mowrer gave the most heartfelt Mass for this wonderful servant of God. May her soul be in paradise today, and may Jesus fill the hearts of her family and those closest to her with his never ending peace. (David Bagely Ebertz)

Pat my heart goes out to you and your family at this very difficult time.  So sorry for the  loss of your  dear sister.

Carol was an amazing women. She impacted me and is a main reason I chose to go to college. Carol you are loved and you will be missed by many!

I will never doubt how much Aunt Carol loved me and Luke and Kaia. From early childhood years when she taught me how to swim in her pool, to slumber parties, to parades, family game nights, visiting us in Toronto, to Disney everythingAunt Carol brought fun and laughter and organization and steadiness to every part of our lives. I will miss her greatly, and I am so thankful that Anthony and Molly and the boys will carry on her legacy. 
Anthony and Mollywe love you more than you know. We are so proud of you. You are the pride and joys of Aunt Carol's life and I'm so glad you know that.

Anthony I hope you know how much i loved Carol,  she was such a wonderful gift in my life,  as in many others too.  I have so many wonderful memories that i will carry with me.  I truely believe that she helped me become the person i am today,  through her example,  her encouragement, her faith and her love.  I pray you and your family find comfort in knowing how much she loved you and that she will be watching over you all and praying for you from heaven.  Losing a parent is one of the most difficult things we will ever go through, pray for Gods presence and love to comfort you in the sad times and rejoice and be glad in the happy times knowing that Carol is smiling with you. You,  Molly and the boys are forever in my thoughts and prayers.  I am here for you wherever and whenever you need.  Love you ❤  Beth Barr

Oh, dearest Carol. Remember that one time we shared a tent in Mexico on your first mission back in a few years with SSJ? We had that wicked wind/rain storm come through and we both thought we were going to blow right into the Pacific? Me too. Remember when you were so excited to be going to Notre Dame for their gathering of only the best counselors, and you couldn't make it to this year's Mexico; however, I told you not to worry because only the best deserve the best? Me too. Remember when we would say how crazy it was that I was at the Diocesan in-service with you, and we would talk about Anthony and how much we loved him? Me too. 
Carol, these are moments that barely scratch the surface on your positively marvelous impact on my life. While things will be very very different, I must say, you taught us well. I have to thank you. Thank you for creating a youth ministry program that I am still proud to be a part of. Thank you for bringing Anthony to SSJ. Thank you for being my tent buddy. Thank you for giving so many young people (including myself) the courage to tackle this world. I know you're forever with us, and for that, I can't stop smiling. I have one more angel in my life. You are loved.
Anthony, you are so so so loved. I am always here for you, and please do not forget that. I am sorry for this great loss. Carol was one-of-a-kind, but I can just tell that the apple does not fall far from the tree. ;) Hold on to that love and service for others that you have in you. This is the same love your mom showed. Anthony and Molly, you are so very, deeply loved. 
Praying for you and your family! 
PS This went longer than planned LOL

Anthony and Caruso Family,
It was my great fortune and blessing to be your mom's friend for the past 17 years.  She was a light and my counseling buddy for my first 8 years at Bourgade.  Then a light and my listening buddy when I moved into administration until I retired.  We continued to meet, laugh, share lunches, and talk about everything after I retired.  
I know she is proud of you and Molly and her grandbabies.  I know she will continue to watch over you and still be your guide and anchor.  I will miss her every day.  When I am thinking of her,  she will remind me to call you to check-in.  It's 2:20 pm as I write this, and you are loved!

Carol,

I talked with our students last week and reaffirmed with them that you will never be gone.  A spirit such as yours cannot be extinguished even by death.  Your spirit will always be with us guiding us and forming us.  Until we meet again my friend...

With much love, respect, and admiration

Coach Taylor

"Be mindful of the people you meet along the way. "
 Carol, we are all the better for you being part of all our journeys and being a part of the lives of the thousands you touched, through the time you blessed us with your friendship. 
Since the day you walked into our 5th grade classroom to our last visit, you have been a shining light, with that infectious smile and your laugh. I am proud to forever call you friend and speak of the work you did, during your life's mission.  While your journey ended way too soon, you have accomplished so much during your time.  It is now, our job, to fulfill your mission and complete your work.
I will fondly remember our days in Fond du Lac and the old neighborhood.  You and your wonderful family always made guests welcome and we all had a little Italian in us, when we left.
While I join so many, who are saddened with your departure from this earth, we anxiously await our next meeting with you.  We know you continue to do the Lord's work in your new surroundings.  As the quote stated at the reception, you have lead by training young people to be the next leaders.  Your presence and impact was evident in the many current and former students, who had the great fortune to be lead by yourself, who came to offer their last good byes.  We all commend you on a job well done, whether it be inside or outside the walls of Bourgade Catholic High School.
Let us all take a little of the wonderful person we knew, Carol Lynn Caruso, and pass it on.  Help us live, as you lived.

"It is 11:45 am, and you are loved!"

My deepest sympathies to the Caruso family, Anthony, Molly, Caleb and Eli and to all who Carol considered "family.'  

John Hardgrove
(St. Paul (MN) via Fond du Lac, WI)

So sorry to the Caruso family, Carol was so caring and kind to my family and daughter during her time at Bourgade Catholic. Thank you Ms. Caruso.

Our deepest sympathy , from the Marilyn Pommerich family .

Words cannot convey how I feel with your passing Carol!  I was privileged to enjoy a meal, converse, relax and laugh with you the night before you left for Heaven as we made plans for a future where we could continue to work together in our Golden Years.  You have left me my friend and my body aches in my sorrow.  But I know I can count on your beautiful spirit to guide me through the plan we had to help others.  

On behalf of the MANY children you helped in AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute as Director of College Access - Muchisimas Gracias.  I know how you so enjoyed adding up those scholarship winnings so as we go into our Scholarship Overnight Search our goal is to move that needle to well over $100 million.  Because of you so many of our young people (Many there at the service today) have graduated from college and are working in their dream careers.  Over 1300 youth at 116 colleges/universities collecting nearly $100 million in these past 14 years.  Not bad Caruso!!!  Thank you my friend - off you soar now on Eagle's Wings.  I will miss you.

My deepest condolences to Anthony, the Caroso Family & Bourgade! 
I worked with Carol in our early years of Youth Ministry! She was always a bright light of joy & deeply committed to her faith!! 
God, family & her faith! 
I truly admired her as a colleague & all projects we were a part of within the diocese! 
Much love, blessings & hugs dear family ~ you all are in prayers !!

Caruso family, my heart breaks for all of you. You are in my thoughts and my prayers.

Rose- my deepest sympathies to you and your family.  May you all find some comfort in your fond memories of Carol.

My sincerest condolences to the family and communities of Carol. While I only worked with Carol at BCHS for 4 years, she had a powerful impact on me. She had a great love and passion for all that she did. Every heart that she touched, she touched in a positive and loving manner. Her impact on the BCHS community and all that she served is unmeasurable by any standard means. AS they will for me, may the memories of Carol allow her to live on in your heart for many years to come.

Anthony and Caruso Family,
 Our deepest condolences during this difficult time.  We wish you comfort and strength. Carol was truly an angel of God. She will truly be missed by many.  
 Michael, Rebecca and Casas Family

Thank you for all that you did for my children at Bourgade Catholic. You always had a smile and a word of confidence. 

Carol was an excellent role model for all who knew her. If we were half as kind and understanding as Carol, the world would be a much better place! Heaven truly gained an experienced angel!

My sincere sympathies to the Caruso family.

May the memories of the good times spent together help sustain you through this most difficult time. 

Love and hugs to you all from the Munsons.

Ms. Caruso was the most beautiful, caring and amazing souls that ever graced the halls of Bourgade Catholic and her memory will be preserved forever. She meant so much to all of us, including me, she helped me find my calling and inspired me to go to the school of my dreams. We love you and miss you.

Please accept our deepest sympathy. Carol was a big influence on our children when she was Youth Minister at SS Simon and Jude. Always kind, always joyful...and when Anthony came in to her life, she was over the moon with joy, happiness and love, and she shared all of that.
Thank you dear Lord, for Caril.

Carol's smile and kindness were a light in this world.  My deepest sympathies to the students, families, and educators around the world who are grieving.  We will miss her dearly.

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel at the tragic passing of Carol.  Our hearts go out to the entire Caruso Family in your time of sorrow.

Both of my children were blessed to have her at Bourgade. Such a loss.

Saddened by the news of losing Carol. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the family.

My deepest sympathy to all of Carol's Family.  Carol was a special friend to me during our our High Schools days. Many special memories.        May God bless Carol.          

Mark Cruciani

We will be forever grateful to Carol for sharing her talents, her love and her kindness with our son and all of the students at Bourgade. Carol made a difference in the life of every young person who had the good fortune to take her college course or travel with her to see the world. She was a special lady and an angel on earth.

We will always remember Carols kindness and that special glowing smile which was contagious with anyone she came in contact with.

Thoughts and prayers go out to all who were fortunate to have had the experience of knowing this wonderful woman.  She has impacted so many lives and will be forever missed.  May God welcome her with open arms and comfort all of us with his mercy and grace.

We are so saddened by this news.  May God place the soul of Carol among his saints and my his peace and comfort be her loved ones who are left behind.  Praying for you all!

Deacon Jim & Josie Danovich

May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this very sad time
Psalms 29:11

OBITUARY

Carol Lynn Caruso

December 14, 1954 – February 6, 2018

Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary

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