Carol A. (Strom) Kolar passed away on November 20, 2019 after complications from long-term illness, surrounded by family and friends at her bedside. Carol was born in Chicago, IL to Russell and Rose (Poslusny) Strom, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sister and her sister-in-law, Patricia Strom. She is survived by her brother Russell (Barbara) Strom, her loving husband, Edward W. Kolar, Jr., to whom she was married for over 57 blissful years, her children Edward (Mary) Kolar III, Cheryl (Jim) Meyer, David Kolar, Matt (Allison) Kolar, and Mark Kolar, her grandchildren Kirstin (Josh) Appel, Edward (Angela) Kolar IV, Maxwell Kolar, Victoria Kolar, Adrienne Kolar (Matt Rosinsky), Morgan Kolar, Kelsey Kolar, Danielle Meyer (Eddie Quagliata), Jolene Meyer, Emily Meyer, Audra Meyer, Aidan Kolar, Delanie Kolar, Amelia Kolar, and her great-grandchildren Maureen Kolar, Gwenyth Kolar, Edward Kolar V, Benjamin Appel, and Annaleee Appel.
Carol obtained her nursing degree from Northwestern University. She and Ed were married on March 3, 1962 at St. Leonard Catholic Church in Berwyn, IL and spent their early married years in and around Minneapolis. They moved the family to Valparaiso, IN in 1975 and made it their home. Carol was an active member of St. Paul Catholic Church. She sang in the church choir and was an active member of Oasis Club. She was involved in her community as a Girl Scout leader for many years.
Carol was a one-of-a-kind woman who lived her life with passion; passion for her family and friends, and passion for her causes. She insisted on hosting family gatherings for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and hosting many birthday parties for her children and grandchildren. She took it upon herself to make sure that family ties were bound tight. Often after family dinners, friends of hers, friends of her children, and friends of her grandchildren would stop to visit. She welcomed them and stayed up well into the night on many occasions, making sure she knew how everyone was doing and giving advice and comfort where needed.
Carol joined a small organization in its infancy in the late 1960s called La Leche League International (LLLI). This organization began as a mother-to-mother support group for women breastfeeding their children. LLLI grew into a way of life for Carol, her children, and their families. At its peak, LLLI held biannual international conferences with attendees from all over the world, which put on workshops for breastfeeding mothers, parenting, family dynamics, raising children, and physician education. Under Carol’s direction, LLLI pioneered the institution of annual seminars for physician education. For over 40 years, Carol was passionate about LLLI, holding positions such as Leader, Meeting Planner, Director of Continuing Medical and Health Education, Program Service Committee Member, and Global Leaders Committee Member, and she sat on the board of directors for numerous organization, including the Professional Conference Management Association, the United Stated Breastfeeding Committee, and La Leche League International.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for Carol on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, IN 46385, at 12:00 pm (CST) with Reverend Douglas Mayer and Reverend Joseph Pawlowski officiating, with visitation for family and friends beginning at 10:00 am (CST) in the Narthex of the Church. Burial will be at St. Paul Cemetery, Valparaiso, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family or La Leche League International. Dykes Funeral Home, 2305 Campbell St., Valparaiso, IN, (219) 462-2125, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Submitted by Diane Thompson