Carolyn Witker

Carolyn Witker, 83, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. She was born on August 19, 1940, in Toledo, Ohio to Edward and Alma (Friemoth) Bender. She married Peter (Pete) Witker on August 8, 1964, a wedding date they had the pleasure of sharing with their oldest granddaughter and her husband, exactly 50 years apart. They even renewed their wedding vows prior to the bride and groom saying theirs.

She attended Gesu grade school and Notre Dame Academy, graduating in 1958 as Valedictorian. She attended the University of Toledo and graduated Suma Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in education.

She began her teaching career at St. Clement’s grade school then taught at Hopewell Elementary. She paused her teaching career to raise her children before resuming her career at Christ the King. Her biggest joy was being a devoted homemaker and stay-at-home mom for many years. She loved to garden, play cards, sew, and she was a wonderful cook. Carolyn always had a sharp wit and a great appreciation for what she had.

She was a devout Catholic and deeply religious. Her family affectionately referred to her as “church lady” because of her extensive volunteer activities. Her volunteer work at Christ the King included the Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Altar Rosary Society, co-chair of parish blood bank drives, and membership in the Parish Council. In retirement, she was active in Ladies of the Shrine at Pious Union of St Joseph Shrine in Grass Lake, Michigan. She spent many hours in adoration there, praying for those in need.

She and Pete had the good fortune of traveling with the JABS Barbershop group to many European countries over the years.They also loved all their family travels in the motor home with dear friends, Chuck and Jean Obenauer. They retired to their “cottage” at Big Wolf Lake near the town of Grass Lake, Michigan. In 2021, they returned to Toledo to be closer to family, friends, and physicians.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Clarence and Elizabeth Witker, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jessica and Terry Leen. Carolyn is survived by her husband Pete, her sister Patricia Sams, children Stephen and Elizabeth (Brian) Reynolds. She was affectionately known as “Grandma Ledo” to her four granddaughters, Rebecca (AJ) Haas, Rachel (Tyler) Jones, Kendall (Anthony) Blair and Colleen (Brady) Mullholand; and “GiGi” (Great Grandma) to her seven great grandchildren, Hudson, Brooks and Brielle Haas, Lyle and Landen Jones, and Halle and Zachery Blair. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Judith Witker, Cathie Witker (Carl Jaffee) and Anne (Rick) Hartley. She has many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was also loved by many furry four legged family members.

Carolyn made the decision to donate her body to the University of Toledo Medical College. Her family will be receiving family and friends on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 4-7 pm, at Walker Funeral Home at 5155 W. Sylvania Ave, Toledo. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Christ the King Church, 4100 Harvest Toledo, OH 43623, on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 10:30 am, with visitation one hour prior to the mass.

The family would like to sincerely thank all who cared for her over the years, especially the kind staff at Elizabeth Scott and at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Your care was priceless to us!

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Rd. Perrysburg, OH 43551, Pious Union of St. Joseph Shrine, 953 E Michigan Ave. Grass Lake, MI 49240 or Christ the King Church, 4100 Harvest Toledo, OH 43623.