Carole T. Birchler

Carole T. Birchler was born June 14, 1933 in Gary, Indiana. She went home to heaven September 30, 2023 in Bloomington, IN with her daughters holding her hands. Carole grew up in Gary with her parents, Emil and Teresa Perrotta, and her younger sister, Bunny, and younger brother, Cappy. Carole felt blessed to be part of a large, fun loving Italian/Hungarian family with many close knit aunts, uncles, and dear cousins. During her elementary and high school years Carole became an accomplished pianist. She devoted much time to learning and practicing on her beloved baby grand, but she also always enjoyed Lake Michigan beach time with her friends. After graduation from Lew Wallace High School in 1951 Carole began working on her elementary education major at Indiana University in Bloomington. It is here that she and Robert met on a blind date and soon became engaged. During her IU years Carole was proud to be a sister in the Chi Omega sorority where she developed treasured friendships. Carole graduated from IU in 1955 with a BS in Education. In July of that same year she and Bob were married. They spent the next four years living at various Air Force bases around the U.S. as her husband completed his service. Carole began her teaching career during this time and decades later still spoke fondly of those Air Force years. While living in Terre Haute, IN Carole had their first three children. Rebecca was born in 1959, Susan in 1961, and Robert II in 1962. It was after Carole returned to Gary with her family that Elizabeth Ann was born in 1968. Carole was a loving stay at home mother who created a nurturing, welcoming home for her family and visitors. Her favorite pastimes were playing bridge and hosting dinner and holiday parties for friends and family. Carole was a devoted Catholic who dedicated her life to loving Jesus. Carole returned to teaching in 1986. For the next ten years she taught first and second grade at Black Oak Elementary in Gary. Following her retirement in 1996, Carole and Bob made a move to Sun City West, AZ. There they enjoyed 26 wonderful years of new friendships, golf and church activities, and exploring the west. The many old friends and family who traveled to visit Carole and Bob were greeted with smiles and open arms. “Count your blessings” was Carole’s motto. She radiated love and cheerfulness and handled her life’s hardships with courage, strength, and trust in the Lord. She made our world brighter and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Carole is survived by her loving daughters Becky (Gary) Walls, Sue (Jeff) Owens, and her beloved grandchildren Brandon (Taylar) Owens, Kyli Walls and Alyssa Walls. She was preceded in death in 2021 by her dear husband of 66 years, Robert L. Birchler, her son Bobby, her daughter Beth Ann, and her grandson, Nate Owens, all her great loves. A special thank you to the caregivers and staff at Bell Trace Senior Living and IU Hospice for their wonderful care, compassion and service. Mom loved you. The family is holding a service at Saint John the Apostle Catholic Church in Ellettsville, IN on October 14 at 12 noon. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Mom’s favorite charity Mercy Ships, PO Box 1930, Lindale, TX 75771 or mercyships.org Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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Carole T. Birchler

June 14, 1933 - September 30, 2023