Carol M. Karwoski's Obituary
The Lord called for our amazing wife, mother, and grandmother, Carol Marie, on June 14, 2014. A lifelong Tacoma resident, Carol was born December 24, 1932 to Emil and Nora (Grande) Schuler. Carol graduated from Lincoln High School in 1949 where she excelled as a student, musician, and majorette. She went on to study Biology and Chemistry earning her Bachelor of Science at Pacific Lutheran College in 1953. Carol interned at Emmanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon and became a Medical Technologist. In the 1960s, Carol was a pioneer in the field of automated chemistry. Outside of the laboratory she was a cellist for the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra.
In 1955 Carol married her husband of almost 59 years, Frank Karwoski. Together they made their home in Tacoma and were blessed with one child, Cynthia. Carol retired after 22 years with private and hospital laboratories. During her retirement Carol began a new career along with her husband Frank as owners and officers of Franco Fish Products, Inc. While working for Franco, they spent their time together in the remote reaches of Alaska, at the early hour fish auctions of the Tsukiji Market, at dinner and tours of the National Fisheries Institute, and in the long hours of each salmon season. In the off-season and holidays, they enjoyed their beach home in Punta Pescadero, Mexico with family and friends. Above all, Carol’s greatest joy was time spent with her granddaughters, Tiffany and Lisa, at ice skating competitions, horse shows, and college campuses.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Noel Schuler. Carol is survived by her husband, Frank C. Karwoski; her daughter, Cynthia Chaney (Douglas); her granddaughters, Tiffany Chaney and Lisa Chaney; sister-in-law, Janice Schuler; brother-in-law, Bobby Smith; Aunt and Godmother Volly Grande; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Carol will be greatly missed for her beautiful soul, her kind spirit, her faith in God, and her endless caring. She was and always will be the definition of true class.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Pacific Lutheran University, Office of Development and University Relations, Tacoma, WA 98447-0018.
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