In Memory
It is with heavy hearts that we sadly announce that Carol Ann (Koziol) Ripper, 77, of Beaver Falls, Pa. passed away on Friday, March 5th, 2021, after a long fight with Alzheimers.
Carol was born on Friday, April 23, 1943 in Beaver Falls, Pa. to the late Anna and John Koziol. Carol and her family spent nearly 30 years in Ohio before moving to CT. for the later part of her life. She graduated from Penn. State University and enjoyed watching the Nittany Lion football team compete.
Carol is survived by her younger sister, Kathy Park and her older brother, Gary Koziol.She will be deeply missed by her beloved college sweetheart and devoted husband of 54 years, Paul Ripper, as well as her two loving daughters: Melissa McDermott and her husband John and Teresa Curtis and her husband Karl."Nana" will be leaving behind her adored grandkids Brianna, Jack, Julia, Evan and Claire, whom she loved and cherished with all her heart.
Carol served as an accomplished Speech Therapist in the Strongsville City School District in Ohio and enjoyed helping her young students succeed. She cared for them as if they were her own.
Carol's craftsmanship was a gift and it extended into painting, sewing, knitting, wood crafts and creating stained glass artwork. She had a passion for cooking, bringing many of us fond memories of her and Paul's pierogi parties and her amazing homemade pies. Her love of desserts was contagious and continued to bring her joy up to the end. Carol was also known for her love of long walks, hiking, biking and camping with her family. We cannot forget her singing and dancing to the tunes of Barry Manilow, Michael Jackson and her most recent love of Bruno Mars. Most importantly, Carol will be remembered as the most generous, unselfish and kindest soul anyone could know.
A special small event honoring Carol will be held at a later date this year in CT. Until then, Paul, Melissa and Teresa ask that you play a song or cook a favorite food of hers to celebrate the joy she brought to our lives. We know that she will be enjoying it with you from above.
For those who wish, donations may be made in her honor to help find a cure for Alzheimer's at http://act.alz.org/goto/CarolRipper.
Kaye Webb (Elder)
What a lovely tribute to Carol. I remember her as always kind and caring . So sorry to hear of her battle with Alzheimer's disease.
My sincere sympathy to her loving family. From a fellow PennState fan, Kaye
Joan Vasas (Verner)
Carol and Paul were the original foodies. She was always trying new recipes and perfecting the old ones. She got me hooked on pickled mushrooms. We spend many fun days together at each other's homes enjoying dinner parties, cookouts and just having fun. If there was a new restaurant anywhere in the area, Carol would be the first one to suggest trying it out. I can remember one evening when six adults packed themselves into a very small car, and drove for two hours to the Wolf's Den on Interstate 80. The car was even more stuffed on the ride home. The two of them were always up for fun. Every Christmas they would have a party on Christmas Eve to decorate the tree. Paul would bring home a tree from the woods. It was like a scene out of the "Lampoon's Christmas Vacaction". His tree would be so big that it wouldn't fit into a tree stand from the store. He had to build one. The tree always bent over at the ceiling, and had to be cut. Such fun memories of the two of them. It was a very sad day when their family moved to Ohio. It is even a sadder day today to know that she has passed. Whevever I see a pierogi, I will think of my old friend, Carol. May she find peace!
Martha Dean (Hoegle)
My sympathy to Paul and Carol's family. I was sorry to hear of her death. Carol and I became friends in school and I have personally shared a lot of wondrful times with her through the years. She was always sweet and fun to be with. I know she was dedicated as a speech therapist in helping others. I was with her the first time that she met Paul. I have fond memories of seeing them smiling and dancing together. In the Bible it tells us that life is like a vapor and how fast time goes. Knowing Carol was a blessing and I know she will be excited to see her parents and loved ones in Heaven.