Carol Frances Bauer (Pogorzala)

Carol Frances (Pogorzala) Bauer, age 85, formerly of Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and most recently of Austin, Texas, entered eternal rest on June 30, 2026, following a brief cardiac event surrounded by family, love, and prayer.

Carol was born and raised in Buffalo, New York to her parents, Henry L. Pogorzala and Irene Juzdowski. She was a proud big sister to her beloved only sibling, brother Kenneth H. Preston, and her childhood was filled with family trips to the cottage in Angola on the shores of Lake Erie and Sandusky, Ohio.

A 1958 graduate of Kensington High School, Carol enjoyed key club, basketball, volleyball, the drill team, chorus, and holiday pageants. She then worked as a sales secretary at the New York Telephone Company, where in 1959-1960, she helped introduce the Princess telephone alongside Miss America 1958. Around this time, she began carpooling with Paul Bauer, the love of her life, whom she married in 1963. Paul’s enlistment in the Army stationed them near Maryland’s former Ft. Ritchie.

Carol and Paul raised their two children, Laurie and Greg, in Bowie, Maryland. As active members of the Bowie Elks Lodge No. 2309, they held various leadership positions and enjoyed bowling leagues. They cherished family beach trips to Ocean City, Maryland, and throughout Florida. In 1979, the family relocated with Paul’s AT&T career to Front Royal, Virginia. Carol and Paul shared 20 years of marriage and remained close lifelong friends.

Carol continued in Maryland holding diverse roles as an administrator, office manager, and medical assistant, dedicating her talents to five private practices specializing in internal medicine, endocrinology, podiatry, ENT, and OB-GYN.

In 1990, at age 50, Carol moved to Las Vegas / Henderson to be closer to her brother Ken. Carol took great pride in helping grow surgical specialist Dr. M. Eftaiha's medical practice. In retirement, her passion for helping others led her to private and professional caregiving.

In the early 1990s, she was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Parish before becoming a founding parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Henderson, Nevada. Carol faithfully served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) for over 20 years, along with the Homebound Ministry and serving those in need at St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Siena Campus. She considered it a sacred privilege to offer the Eucharist to hospital patients, balancing her ministry with a quick wit and a light heart. Carol sponsored dozens of individuals into the Catholic faith through the R.C.I.A. program and actively served as a member of the Women's Guild and Welcome Time & Talent. She also lovingly served many families as a caregiver, babysitter, pet sitter, and house sitter. In 2011, Carol embarked on a spiritual Pilgrimage to Italy, journeying in the footsteps of St. Francis alongside Father John Assalone and her parish family.

When Carol wasn't volunteering, she was in her element as Vegas’s ultimate host and unofficial 'tour director,' picking up loved ones at the airport and showcasing the Vegas Strip, casinos, hotels, and entertainment. Carol loved sharing her city—especially if it meant tracking down a lively Polka festival along the way. She also traded her former Washington Redskins fandom to cheer on the Vegas Golden Knights.

In 2009, Carol stepped into her favorite role as a Grandmother. She held profound love for her Granddaughter, Siena, constantly beaming with pride over her.

A proud resident of Vegas for 34 years, Carol brought her vibrant spirit to Austin, Texas, in 2024 where she became a "Texan." She thrived with daily social and physical activities in her community, making friends with everyone. At her senior community, Carol formed special bonds with her caregivers and looked forward to Sunday service gatherings, receiving weekly Holy Communion by local EMHC's and the weekly bulletins from all her former parishes. Carol celebrated her 85th birthday in 1950s style with a sock hop complete with poodle skirts, root beer floats, and polka music. Days before her passing, Carol was radiant with joy, celebrating an early patriotic tribute to her country and singing along with Elvis.

Carol is survived by her children, Laurie Bauer (Brent Munhofen) of Austin, Texas, and Greg Bauer (Tami), beloved granddaughter, Siena of Bel Air, Maryland, Sister-in-Law, Laurel Preston, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Bauer; her brother, Kenneth H. Preston; and her aunts, uncles, and several cousins, including Sister Mary Thaddeus, a Felician Sister for 66 years with whom she shared a deep bond.

Her family and friends will forever hear her saying, "Go Easy!" ; "Sooo, Thaaat's It!" ; and "AMEN!"

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 16 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, located at 2300 Sunridge Heights Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89052. The livestream access link will be provided to the family a few days before the Mass.

The Rite of Committal and Inurnment will take place at a later date following the completion of the new Catholic Garden of the Holy Family at Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery.

The family kindly asks that condolences, cherished memories, and photographs be uploaded to the Dignity Memorial Link or emailed to: [email protected].