Carol Ann presented herself to her parents, George and Agnes (Brost) Gorney, and to her 6 siblings on the 27th of February 1963.

Carol was born with Down Syndrome but from the very first would not accept the limits and boundaries that came with the label.

She had some challenges, but she lived a very full and happy life. She wore her heart on her sleeve. She loved her people with all of her heart and she was loved the same in return.

She attended and graduated from Hayward High School in 1984.

Carol was very social, had more friends than one could count, and worked different jobs in the community. One of her favorites was the bakery at Northern Lakes Co-op and she was awarded an Employee of the Year plaque. She loved telling funny stories like her adventures into cake decorating that went awry when the frosting tube exploded. Her last job was with Ventures Unlimited until covid, when she retired and lived with her sister Mary.

She spent her summers swimming and reading scores of books. She also loved shopping, bowling, and Elvis. Then there was Christmas, birthdays, and presents to give and producing beautiful handmade cards. Everything was her favorite. She loved sparkle and bling, purple streaks in her hair, and polish on her nails. Carol’s love of music and movies gave her joy all throughout her life. She loved live theater, live music, and anything she could dance to or sing along with. She loved the Brewers and the Packers. She loved participating in Special Olympics where her accumulation of medals and ribbons grew every year.

In the last years, Carol began to slip away from us, and more recently, we would grasp at any sparkle of a word, a laugh, or a look of recognition. After a sudden illness, with familiar sister voices floating around her, she passed peacefully into the arms of her Mother and Daddy on July 2nd, 2024.

We are so thankful for the love and caring professionalism Carol was shown during her stay at Hayward Health Services and Tamarack Health.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Tom Shafarik.

She is survived by her siblings, Paul (Marilynn) Gorney, Phyllis (Dan) Ross, Mary Shafarik, Joan (Guy) Long, Alice Gorney, and Margie Schull; as well as 9 nieces and nephews who grew up with her and loved her deeply, never realizing at the time the things she was teaching them. She is also survived by their families.

Carols life was filled with generations of family, friends and pets. Her beautiful handmade cards hold messages to all of us and because of her, we became better people. She would be amazed at the number of broken hearts today.

There will be a private family service.

We will…

SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR…

Afterwhile crocodile…

Last Update: Jul 08, 2024 4:25 pm CDT