Carol Ann Blendenbacher Fazekash, 86.

Carol was born at home in Barberton, Ohio on July 15, 1936 to parents Gladys and Joe Blendenbacher. Her loving heart that she shared with everyone finally beat its last note on March 14th, 2023. She was the essence of class. Carol and Steve enjoyed hosting family dinners for all and these fun-filled occasions will be remembered long after their passing. Although Carol moved about the country during her early school years she was a proud graduate of Kenmore Class of 1954. She continued to see her classmates throughout her life.

Carol met Steve, the love of her life, and they were married for 48 years until his death May 31, 2007. Her two children, Carmen Fazekash of Jackson Township and Greg Fazekash (wife Nancy) of Hudson, Ohio, were her crown jewels and to the end she would not declare which one was her favorite. She was as neutral as Switzerland! Carol was among the first women to earn a Bachelor's in Business Administration at the University of Akron in 1958. She later went on to become a fashion buyer at the Polsky Company. She later attained a Bachelor of Arts in Education and taught for many years at Manchester High School so she could have more time with her children. Her fellow teachers became lifelong friends.Carol was also graced with a grandchild, Andrew Fazekash (wife Samantha) of Hudson, OH, who was a constant source of joy and pride and she so looked forward to one day being a great-grandmother. She lived many years in the Jackson Township area with her last fifteen years residing in Glenmoor. Since last September, she has been a resident at Hudson Grande, receiving the kindest of care.

Carol is survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law Sandy and Joe Norwood of Wallingford, CT and Bette and Ed Letscher of Nazareth, PA as well as nieces (Heather Norwood, Denise Peters (Matt)), nephew (Daniel Letscher (Jess)), and great nieces (Joci and Melina) and great nephews (Nate and Malcolm) and many more loved ones.

Carol believed strongly in the words of Langston Hughes that "life was for the living…" She was also a fountain of advice to her children including you should be given a chance to try and fail, instead of failing to ever try. She enjoyed the companionship of her rescue kitties, Copper, Beasty Boy and Sasha, who predeceased her.

A private memorial service to celebrate Carol's life will be held on July 15th, 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Stark County.