Carol Ann Kuegeler's Obituary
Carol Ann Kuegeler, 77, of Westlake, Ohio passed away peacefully on June 5, 2023. Born January 11, 1946, she was the oldest of 9 children, mother of 2, and grandmother of 3. She was a faithful, strong, and loving woman. Carol embraced life and made it her mission to share and show others the beauty in this world. She was the daughter of the late George and Ruth (nee Kidney) Schultz, loving wife of the late Clemens J. Kuegeler, loving and proud mother of the late John C. Kuegeler, Elizabeth A. Kuegeler Wolters (Martin), adoring grandmother of Luke Clemens Wolters, Noah Wilhelm Wolters, and Jana Ruth Wolters, sister of the late Robert E. Schultz (late Gretchen), the late Raymond G. Schultz, (Marie), Jean M. Marling (John), Richard R. Schultz, Marion L. Schultz Loepp (Bill), George E. Schultz (Beverly), Russell J. Schultz, and William F. Schultz. She was the aunt and cousin to many – all of whom she loved.
Carol made an impact on everyone she encountered. She was faithful, talented, and intelligent. She loved life and continuously worked to appreciate and show the best the world had to offer. Carol made sure people knew they mattered. Through listening, her great sense of humor, nursing, teaching, gardening, coaching, music, dance (to name a fraction of her contributions) she humbly and excitedly shared her talents.
Carol raised John and Beth as a young widow after losing the love of her life, Clem. Later in life she played a big role in raising her beloved niece, Rose. She greatly loved her entire family, and took any opportunity to teach her children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins – along with a multitude of each family member’s friends, whatever she could to help them be the best version of themselves. Her faith shined through in all her encounters. Despite the hurdles and sadness, she always found the goodness and light.
Her multiple circles of friends were indicative of her open personality. She was “all in” no matter what group or hobby she endeavored. Theatre, dance, basketball, volleyball, coaching soccer, guitar, gardening, walking, cooking, sewing….the list goes on and on. But her biggest love - what brought her the most joy - was singing. She was in her element and joyful regardless of if singing at/with church, at a family gathering, at Augusta, The Barking Spider, with John’s friends who welcomed her into their musical family after John’s passing, the Prayer Warriors - anywhere a song was being sung, Carol joined with passion and joy.
Carol was born to help others. Her quest to do so brought her to a lifelong career in nursing. She paved her path, working at hospitals, becoming a public health nurse, a school nurse, then eventually taking the courageous step of sharing her wisdom as a consultant in the school nurse space. She volunteered her services whenever she could, such as (to name just a few) “rocking babies” at Metro and being a camp nurse – which also provided opportunities for not just her children, but a few nieces and nephews to attend. There was nothing that stopped her from her passion of care. She was a hugger, both literally and figuratively.
Carol was also brave and admirable. Although she was very social, she had no problem in solitude. She enjoyed gardening, reading, drinking tea, and eating a special treat from Heinen’s while listening to music or talk shows on NPR. She once ventured alone on a sabbatical across the country. During the trip she of course met and shared her wisdom, love, and music, making lifelong memories and friends along the way. Although she will be deeply missed by her friends and family, the confidence she is home dancing and singing with her parents, Clem, John, Bob, Ray, and all who proceeded before her, brings great solace. Sing on Carol, and God Go With You.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 16, 2023, at Sunset Funeral Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070 at 4-8 pm. A memorial service mass will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 10am St Malachi Parish, 2459 Washington Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113. Inurnment at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
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