Carol S Shadrake's Obituary
Carol Spaulding Shadrake passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, after a short illness.
She was loved and cared for by her entire family at the end of her life, as she had been throughout her life.
Carol was a New Year’s baby, born January 1, 1933. She was the only child of Irl Spaulding and Fern Thompson Spaulding, both of whom adored and doted on her, giving her a lifelong confidence that she mattered, was beloved, and could expect the full attention of any audience lucky enough to be in her presence. She always loved to sing, and early on had teachers and admirers who noted the unusual beauty and clarity of her glorious soprano voice. This led her to a life centered around music. She earned a degree in vocal performance from Bowling Green State University, worked as a choral director, music director, and music teacher, and sang throughout her life in churches, concert halls, musical theater shows, and around all the family pianos.
She met the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Shadrake, when her girlfriend set them up on a blind double date. The lure was that he played football. Carol was always attracted to athletes, so she agreed, and then found she had hit the jackpot when he was also “very handsome,” and “a lot of fun.” Dick loved entertainment of any kind – theater, music, sports events, concerts, etc. – and was dazzled by the glorious singer and performer that had stumbled into his life. She was the consummate performer, and he was the consummate audience member. Together they were the complete package. They fell madly in love, got married, and very quickly produced five children (Don, Bonnie, Paul, Bill, and Ken). Those children and their spouses (Michelle, Jimmy, Lynda, Anne, and Jackie) brought them 12 beloved grandchildren (Beth, Katie, Matt, Michael, Caylee, Alanna, Emma, Jake, Halle, Sammi, Ben, and Elicia), and one great grandchild (Aria), all of whom were Grandma’s favorite. The grandkids brought their spouses and partners (Ryan, DJ, and Abby) into the fold as well, adding to the ever growing parade of Shadrakes and extended Shadrakes – a clan that now requires a full-on party room anytime the whole family gets together. Carol and Dick celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in January, cheered on by all of the above, and countless friends who have sustained and supported them over the years.
Carol loved her life. She loved to swim, and was an avid reader, tennis fan, crossword and Jeopardy wiz, and lover of nature, especially songbirds. “Skylark” by Hoagy Carmichael was her favorite song. She stayed curious and eager to learn her entire life. She believed that the way to make friends and influence people was to “kill them with kindness,” and she was relentless in bringing even the most stubborn detractor to at least a grudging respect of her, and more often than not a genuine love and appreciation of her optimism, dry sense of humor, and genuine interest in people. She was a formidable force if anyone tried to limit her enjoyment of life. Red tape, closed doors, and dumb rules were no match for her. She led by example, never preaching but simply embodying the value of authenticity, the importance of a good sense of humor, the joy of finding something to be passionate about, and her daily practice of accepting everyone exactly as they were, knowing that was how to love them best.
She unapologetically demanded every drop of joy from life, and hers was truly a life well-lived.
She left this world the same way she came into it: as the most beloved member of her family.
We will carry her stories, her wisdom, and her love with us forever.
There will be a visitation on Tuesday, April 14, from 4-7 PM at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio. Her funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, April 15, at 11 AM at St. Clarence Catholic Church, 30106 Lorain Rd, North Olmsted, Ohio. There will be a luncheon and celebration of life in the Terrace Room at St. Clarence immediately following the service, from noon to 4:00 p.m. All are welcome!
One of Carol’s great joys was spending time in the “Valley” (Cleveland Metroparks).
In lieu of flowers, the family has provided a link that allows you to donate to the Metroparks by making a contribution towards the installation of a memorial bench in her honor in the area by the lagoon where she often went to enjoy a quiet moment in nature. The inscription on the bench will read: “In this quiet valley, my spirit still sings.”
Maybe you will find a moment to sit on this bench and think of her while enjoying the beauty of our world.
Here is the link: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/support/donate/tribute-giving/dedicate-a-bench/shadrake-bench-dedication
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