Carol Ann Tuszynski died at St Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT on June 15th, 2015 from Metastatic Rectal Cancer. She was 68 years old.
Carol Banana was born on November 20th, 1946 in Altoona, Pennsylvania to Laura Lorraine Campbell. Seeking a new and better life for herself and her children. Carol’s mother, Lorraine, decided to move the family out west. Lorraine hitchhiked to Montana, and Carol and her brother Bill arrived by bus when Carol was 18 months old. In 1948, Lorraine married a strapping Polish sailor named Ray Tuszynski. Ray gave Carol his last name, and often fondly called her Katrinka – the Polish version of Carol. For those of you who have always wondered, Carol was not Polish. She was a blond haired, blued eyed, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh lass. However, with the marriage in 1948, so began the Tuszynski family story in Beautiful Butte America.
Carol attended Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School, St Joseph Grade School, and eventually graduated from Butte High School in 1965. Following graduation, Carol worked as a CNA at the Silver Bow Convalescent Home. Deciding that a life of service to others was her calling, Carol pursued nursing and received her license in 1969. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Silver Bow Convalescent Home, Boulder River School and Hospital, and retired from St James Community Hospital after 33 years of service.
Shortly after her nursing career began, Carol was involved in an unfortunate incident with a prison inmate, earning Carol the nickname Nursey Baby that stuck with her for many years. I assure you that this did not work out well for the inmate.
In 1971, Carol gave birth to a daughter – Jacqueline Lee. Carol made many sacrifices to raise her daughter as a single mom in a time when being an unwed mother was frowned upon. Carol had a good job and was able to support her daughter, providing opportunities for Jackie that she never had. Carol never married.
As a younger woman, Carol enjoyed dancing, bowling, and eating Chinese food at the Pekin Noodle Parlor. She was an avid reader, and was very talented with a crochet hook. She also liked to fish, hunt, and camp.
After retirement, Carol enjoyed time by herself.
Carol was preceded in death by her Mother, Laura Lorraine Tuszynski, the only Father she has ever known, Raymond Tuszynski, and her brother William (Lance) Lasher.
Carol is survived by her daughter Jackie of Helena, her sisters Raelene Tuszynski and Susan (Bruce) Held both of Helena. She is also survived by her nieces Josie (Matt) DeDominici of Kettering, Ohio, Raelene Lasher of Barrington, New Hampshire, and Lorrie (Stephen) Walsh of West Peabody, Massachusetts, as well as her nephews Shane (Tawan) Phillips of Phoenix, Arizona, and Bill (Liz) Lasher of Massachusetts. She also has several grandnieces and grandnephews. Additionally, she is survived by the grand dog Buddy, who made her happy the last couple of years.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Butte Community Celebrations, LLC. P.O. Box 245, Butte, MT 59703.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff in the St Peter’s Emergency Room, 3rd floor Surgical Unit, and 2nd floor Oncology. Drs. Travis, Kreisberg, and Thomas were particularly kind in caring for Carol. The family also appreciates the staff at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home and Crematory. In particular Mikel Stevenson made the process as painless as possible.
A memorial service will be held at noon, on Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Helena, MT 59602. After the memorial, there will be a reception in the social hall of the funeral home, followed by a graveside service at Forestvale Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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Raelene. Lasher says
Rip aunt Carol. You are with the ones you love you will be always. Remembered love you your niece. Raelene
Susan Tuszynski Held says
Big sister. You were always there for me as children and I will miss your sense of humor and your smile.
Liz Fitzpatrick says
My thoughts and sympathy to Jackie and family. I worked with Carol for many years at St James. Rest in peace Carol
Barbara DuLong says
My thoughts and prayers to the family. My heart goes out to all of you. Raelene, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. Jackie, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom.
Barbara DuLong
(Lances’s niece)
CIndy Munyon says
Jackie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and you family.
Doris Megowan says
Jackie, Sue and Raelene,
So sorry to hear about Carol.
Love you all
carl says
Raelene, Jackie, and Family
So sorry to read in the GT Fall Trib the passing of Carol still have fond and wonderful memories of her working in Boulder God Bless
Carol A. Mulholland says
Dear Jackie and family of Carol Ann
I had the distinct pleasure of having known and worked beside Carol for many years at St. James Community Hospital. What a caring ,compassionate and devoted LPN was she.
I always knew when Carol was working with us that only the best would be given to our patients for sure.. ..She had a quick smile, sense of humor and was so proud of Jackie of your accomplishments. think we both travelled with you through your various stages and service years. I am so sorry for you loss, have had her and all of you in mind ever since I learned of her passing. I won’t be able to make the memorial but you can be sure I am with you all in prayer, loving thoughts and sadness, The last time I saw Carol was when she was working in the transitional care unit and I was a patient….. when her smiling face entered my room with “what are you doing on that side of our care?” I have to tell you that I was never so happy to see her….. I knew there was nothing to worry about…. as long as she was going to be taking care of me…( Thank you Carol for being my friend, my co worker and caregiver…… ) Warm thoughts, hugs and prayers to all………
Dave Boyd says
Raelene and Jackie: I am so sorry to read of Carol’s passing. She was a joy to know and to be near. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Lorrie Walsh says
Jackie, Aunt Raelene, and Aunt Susan,
Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers. It’s unfortunate that we live so far away from you all, it would have been great to have spent more time with you. I remember when I 1st met Aunt Carol, she was a little on the quite side but so, so sweet!!!
You have my deepest sympathy and I really wish I could be there tomorrow to say good-bye.
Love you,
Lorrie
Jackie Tuszynski says
Thank you for posting such loving thoughts and memories of my mother. Love to you all. Jackie