Carole Althoff

Carole passed over the rainbow on the evening of July 2, 2023, with her brother Tom by her side, at the age of eighty.

As she was throughout her life, Carole was surrounded by love and comfort in the days preceding her passing, with friends, family and last, but certainly not least; her exceptional current and former staff, providing Carole their ever-present guidance on her final journey.

To know Carole was to love her. Her unsuppressed giggles and laughter, her ability and drive to move forward despite the challenges she had faced since birth, plus her physical setbacks in later years.

Carole was born in Fremont, Ohio on July 13, 1942, to Harold (Whitey) Althoff and Elizabeth Jane (Hufford) Althoff. Carole's parents and brother, Tom provided a wonderful, active life for her. Carole traveled to 49 US states, loved playing golf in her younger years, having played at various courses throughout the USA: Including Hilton Head, NC, Pompano Beach, FL, The Fremont Country Club and beyond. Carole achieved a hole-in-one to top off her golfing prowess.

Carole graduated from Fremont Ross High School in 1960. From then on, she enjoyed traveling with her parents, spending time at their Gem Beach cottage on Lake Erie, until moving to Pompano Beach, FL. Upon their relocating to Fremont some years later, Carole became involved with SANDCO, a local organization which provides much needed assistance to both those with disabilities and their families, as well as SBDD (Sandusky County Board of Disabilities). Carole thrived there, initially working at SANDCO Industries, but MUCH preferred being the social butterfly she was, to working, making many friends with fellow attendees and staff. She was competitive, enjoyed various sports, including Bocce Ball and bowling, plus the Special Olympics. Carole did not approve of bad sportsmanship, bad manners, nor suffer fools well, much to the chagrin of any recipient she might shame. She loved arts and crafts, of which she so generously gifted many cards, necklaces and bracelets to others. Her Christmas cards were very carefully designed, personalized and treasured. Carole also contributed her artwork to many SANDCO and SBDD fundraisers.

After her parent' passing in the 1990's, Carole lived alone with minimal assistance in their home, prior to moving to an apartment at The Commons. Carole absolutely loved Micky Mouse, butterflies, rainbows, the colors pink, purple and blue, which matched her pretty eyes. She thoroughly enjoyed the Senior Center in Fremont, The Red Hat Society luncheons, Golden Threads bus trips, shopping, Walmart and her MANY cherished scrapbooks which documented her travels and interests. For most of her past years, Carole spent up to five happy days per week at SANDCO's Clyde, OH Life Enrichment Center. At home in her new apartment, Carole was blessed by the most excellent, loving primary caregivers ever...In recent years, Helen and Shellie. Her staff representatives: Destiny, Wynn-Reeth, Kelly, SBDD, Helen, formerly of SBDD, Hand in Hand, Tess, Jenn, Lisa, and Tracey. What an amazing, professional, loving, cohesive group of exceptional human beings you all are!

The joyful essence which Carole emanated to so many throughout her life, transcended to her passing as well. From her staff, friends, the incredible 100 wing staff at Valley View Health Campus, Promedica Hospice, Alease and her fellow nurses, Maureen Pump and Pastor Mark, who provided amazing care and comfort not only for Carole, but her friends and family throughout Carole's final days, our heartfelt gratitude to all.

Carole, we know you are now flying freely over the rainbow with your angels. Until we meet again...

Carole is survived by her brother Thomas Althoff, nieces Julie and Jenny, 1st cousins, Howard (Lenna) Zink, Jonathan (Beth) Zink, James Zink and numerous relatives. She was predeceased by her parents, her favorite cousin and friend, Jacqueline (Zink) Titmas, who was born 3 weeks after her in 1942.

Visitation will be held at Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home and Crematory, Fremont, OH, Monday, July 10, 2023, 10:00 am-12;00 pm, with Pastor Mark Bogen presiding over a service at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider SANDCO Clyde, OH Life Enrichment Center, Grace Lutheran Church, Fremont, Family Worship Center, Fremont, and Promedica Hospice Care.