Caryl Jean Theil-Schenk's Obituary
Three things in life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind.
—Henry James
When most people think of Caryl, two words come to mind: pink…and kind. More important than her interests and biography, Caryl was, in a word, kind.
With her loving daughter and son by her side, Caryl Jean Theil-Schenk (née Beunk), 93 years young, passed away peacefully on the morning of December 19, 2025.
Born August 8, 1932, to Gerrit Beunk and Tillie Stary, Caryl was preceded in death by her beloved husband Alfred J. Theil, with whom she shared 33 wonderful years of marriage. Caryl was the loving mother of Susan Theil (Cheryl Russell), Karl (Carol) Theil, the dear sister of Bernice Eiben, and cherished cousin-once-removed to her cousin Jane’s daughter Heidi.
Born at home on Cleveland’s West side, Caryl always said that she had a great childhood with wonderful memories. A member of the West Tech class of 1950, Caryl graduated fifth in her class and was particularly proud of receiving the Bausch and Lomb Science Medallion. She received a scholarship to attend what is now Case Western Reserve University, but left a short time after getting engaged, as was expected of women at that time.
When the kids got older, Caryl began her long and extremely rewarding 23-year career with the Olmsted Falls schools. Starting as a librarian at Fitch Elementary School, Caryl later became the secretary to the principal at Falls-Lenox. She took great pride in this role, and thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the students, their families and the staff. The feeling was mutual.
A few years ago, as Caryl entered a local department store, a 50-something gentleman stopped her and looked at her quizzically. He said, “You look familiar.”
An avid shopper, Caryl said, “Well, I’m in here all the time.”
He said, “No, I think I remember you. Did you work in the Olmsted Falls schools? In the library?”
Caryl said, “Yes.”
He brightened right up and said, “I remember your face—kindly.”
He told her his name, which led to Caryl asking him about his sister and parents, and then they were off to a good long chat. As it turned out, he remembered Caryl from when he was in 5th grade—42 years earlier.
Suffice it to say, it was a very nice moment for both.
A loving mother, faithful friend and genuinely decent human being, Caryl was beautiful inside and out—in all things, a class act.
As requested by Caryl, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Soldiers in Saddles (https://www.soldiersinsaddles.org, 440-554-5348), a most worthy organization co-founded by the lovely daughter of one of her good friends.
Family and friends are cordially invited to honor Caryl at a visitation at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070, on Monday, January 26, 2025, from 10:00am until noon, and attend her funeral service at noon.
The family expresses its deep gratitude to her devoted friend and caregiver Deb and her Cleveland Clinic medical team.
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