Carolyn Krol's Obituary
Carolyn Krol, age 77, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, from pancreatic cancer.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenny, the love of her life, whose passing occurred seven months before hers, and by her parents, Joe and Dorothy Dembek.
She is survived by her cherished son, Marc; brother, Joe Dembek (Mary); sisters, Suzy Wolfe (Russ) and Donna Clow (Jody); half-brother, Michael Dembek (Nikki); brother-in-law, Mike Krol (Carolyn); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Carolyn graduated from Admiral King High School in 1966 and began her career at Joyce Buick immediately after graduation. Through hard work, dedication, and exceptional ability, she rose to the position of Office Manager. She also played an integral role in her family's business, Krol and Sons, managing bookkeeping, customer service, and the many responsibilities that kept the family business running smoothly. When Marc was born, Carolyn chose to step away from her career at Joyce Buick to devote herself to raising her son. After he entered high school, she returned to Joyce Buick, where she once again served as Office Manager until her retirement in 2008.
To know Carolyn was to know excellence. Whatever she chose to do, she did with determination, joy, and remarkable skill. Over the years, her many talents and hobbies included gardening, knitting, quilting, embroidery, needlepoint, counted cross-stitch, sewing, baking, cooking, creating beautiful stained-glass panels, reading, and numerous other handmade crafts. She loved to share her passions with others and inspired many to enjoy her hobbies as well.
She discovered a love for tennis and, true to form, became the Doubles Club Champion alongside her favorite partner, Honey Knight. And, of course, yes—she loved to shop with her sisters, sister-in-law, and friends. It wasn't Christmas without the annual Club Girls shopping extravaganza. Carolyn's love of travel was well known, and she, Ken, and special friends Bruce and Kathy traveled the world together.
Carolyn loved volunteering for her church and community. She was a former longtime member of Altrusa and Giving Dolls, where she helped create more than 2,200 handmade dolls given to children during traumatic life events.
Carolyn had a remarkable gift for friendship. She welcomed people into her life with such warmth and loyalty that, before long, they were no longer just friends—they were family. She celebrated their joys, carried their burdens, and loved them with the same devotion she gave her own family.
Family was the center of Carolyn's heart. She loved unconditionally and generously—not only her son, but also her sisters, brother, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and even great-nieces and great-nephews. For her family, Carolyn was the glue, the steady center, the one whose love, support, and strength quietly held everyone together.
It was at her and Ken's lake house where everyone gathered for vacations, parties, and special celebrations, creating hundreds of treasured memories. In many ways, she was the planet around which they all orbited.
During the last three years, she endured tremendous physical challenges, first with Ken and then herself, with extraordinary courage. She never complained. When the days became especially difficult, she would simply pray, "Jesus, hold my hand." That simple prayer reflected the quiet faith that sustained her and inspired those who walked beside her.
Carolyn's legacy is one of unwavering love, selfless generosity, kindness, and enduring faith. Those who knew her witnessed firsthand what it looks like to love like Jesus. Her example will continue to shape the lives of her family and friends for generations to come.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
Cremation will take place, and the family will receive friends on Thursday, August 27, 2026 from 4-7 p.m. at Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral Home, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst, OH 44001 . A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 28 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 309 W 7th St, Lorain, OH 44052 with Father Daniel Divis officiating. Immediately following the Mass, burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial at On the Avenue. All who knew and loved Carolyn are invited to join us in celebrating a life beautifully lived.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Mary's Food Bank are appreciated.
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