Carole Ann Mayer, 65, of 221 Central Avenue, Warren, PA passed away unexpectedly on Thursday February 9 at 2:28 pm in Warren General Hospital as a result of a hemorrhagic stroke. Carole was born October 26, 1946 in Windber, PA, daughter of Ann Shima and the late John J. Shima. Carole was a graduate of Windber Area High School, attended nursing school in Johnstown, and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Golden Gate University.
Carole was the rock of our family. She was a Marine Corps wife and mother, devoted to the family and country she loved. Wherever we went, her presence made it our home. We were blessed to have a wife and mom who loved us unconditionally at our best and our worst. In her many adventures around the world, she always made a positive and lasting impression on the people and places she touched.
Carole's passion was nurturing and helping others and food was often her most effective means. From the needy to international diplomats at Embassy functions, her cooking has filled the souls of countless. She took great joy in her work as clerk at the Hallmark store in Warren, where she could help others to be thoughtful. She was a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Warren, where she worked tirelessly on many projects; fair trade coffee in Nicaragua, repairing homes in Mississippi and Appalachia, and inspiring members of the congregation with her enthusiasm and spirit.
Carole is survived by her husband of 42 years, Craig Mayer, and her two sons Douglas of Marathon, FL, and Daniel of Harrisburg, PA; her two granddaughters, Lily and Nova; her mother Ann Shima, of Windber, PA; her siblings Cheryl Kepple of Largo, Fl; Kathleen Farbo, of Windber, PA; John "JJ" Shima, of Johnstown, PA; and Jacqueline Reed, of Windber, PA.
A viewing and memorial service will be held Monday, February 13th, 2012 at William Kisiel Funeral Home, 1015 Graham Ave. Windber, PA 15963. The viewing will be 26 pm with service to begin at 6 pm.
There will also be a memorial service at 5:30 pm Wednesday, February 15th, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church of Warren, 300 Market Street Warren, PA 16365. The service will be followed by a meal at the church.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations may be made in Carole's honor to the First Presbyterian Church of Warren Mission Committee.
