Carol A. Jaeger was a passionate, faith-driven woman and a loving wife, mother and grammy who adored her family above all else. Carol, 88, of Galion, Ohio passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, January 19, 2024.
Born April 27, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan, Carol was the daughter of Emil & Viola L. (Robinson) Gowatch. Carol is preceded in death by her husband, Bernard F. Jaeger, her “Barney Bear,” whom she married on August 13, 1955. A graduate of Shrine of the Little Flower High School in Royal Oak, Michigan, Carol was dedicated to volunteering, especially at the local hospital and hospice. A remarkable cook, Carol delighted friends and family with her Italian specialties, including unforgettable spaghetti sauce and lasagna. A lifelong football fan, Carol perfected the art of the tailgate with her husband Barney. Her favorite teams included Notre Dame and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Carol’s favorite phrase to visiting family and friends, “we never close,” encapsulated her inviting spirit. She often used it as an open invitation to her house, whether to swim at any hour of the day, or simply enjoy each other’s company with her delicious cooking. Generosity was a hallmark of Carol’s character, and her welcoming home became a hub of warmth and camaraderie. She taught her family that “showing up” is the most important thing you can do for others. This grammy had a go-bag and Carol would joke that her bag was half-packed, ready to leave at a moment’s notice to assist her kids and grandkids.
Carol was a devout member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Galion, contributing her voice to the choir, and her thoughtful touch extended to providing homemade cakes to church members in times of sorrow. Her love for movies, card playing, mystery novels, swimming, and trips to the ocean showcased her multifaceted personality.
She is survived by sons Christopher Jaeger of Galion, Ohio and Michael (Terri) Jaeger of Covington, Louisiana; daughter Faith (Tom) Callahan of Newport, Rhode Island; four grandchildren Ian (Emily) Jaeger of New Orleans, Louisiana, Georgia Callahan of Beverly, Massachusetts, Jason (Tammy) Jones, of New Caney, Texas, and Melissa Jones of Raleigh, North Carolina; great-grandchildren Clyde Maxwell Jaeger, Cohen Jones, Courtney (Kenny) Barnes, Sunny Marin Jaeger; great-great grandsons Bennett Barnes and Brody Barnes, alongside a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband Barney in 2020, and sisters Marjorie Tamm and Gloria Petherick.
A Memorial Mass will be held 10:00 AM Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 135 N Liberty St, Galion, OH 44833 with Mass celebrated by Fr. Paul Fahrbach. Interment will follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio at 12:45 PM where Carol will be laid to rest beside her husband Barney.
The family is grateful for the supportive and compassionate care from Avita Home Health and Hospice. Memorial contributions to Avita Hospice can be made online at avitahomehealth.org/donate.
Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve Carol’s family. Leave a message or a memory at SnyderFuneralHomes.com