Carol Ann Rondello
September 11, 1948 - June 16, 2015
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Carol Ann Rondello
September 11, 1948 - June 16, 2015
Obituary
Carol Rondello, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend and community member, died gracefully at home on June 16 in Bellingham, surrounded by family and loved ones, at the age of 66.
Carol knew how to love and to be loved. She was born Carol Telisky. She and her devoted husband Ron have been together for 46 years, starting their life in Detroit and making their way over to Washington in the seventies. She was a loving mother to her sons Angelo and Julian, and was a caring maternal figure to their friends as well. Carol was a devoted daughter and a vigilant caregiver for her mother Dolores, long before moving her from Detroit to Bellingham in 2013.
Known for her welcoming spirit and hospitality, Carol loved to bring people together. Her annual Christmas party was an anticipated tradition for her many friends and neighbors. Her distinctive laugh came easily and would warm a room with happiness. Carol nurtured not only people, but all living things. She loved to see life flourish. Her garden, full of flowers, trees, fruits and vegetables, often cause passerby to pause and admire. She grew fabulous Italian plums, and the tomatoes in her prized hoop-house ruined store-bought tomatoes for many.
Carol’s professional life was devoted to community service. She spearheaded Bellingham’s volunteer curbside recycling program in the early 1980’s – the largest of its sort in the nation – and helped to push the Bellingham to adopt the city-run recycling program we have today. She served as executive director of Environmental Resource Services (now called RE Sources) for many years. From 2000 through her passing, she was the regional blood drive coordinator for Puget Sound Blood Center. She will be remembered for her relentless drive, passion, and unwavering commitment to her community.
Carol was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in early 2014, and fought the disease with extraordinary vibrancy and determination. She continued to work and selflessly care for others throughout her fight with cancer up until her very last days. Most of all, she continued to fearlessly live and love life, never giving into despair.
Carol will be buried at Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale in a private ceremony.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, PO Box 19023, Seattle, WA 98109. Checks may be made payable to SCCA, with indication that they are in memory of Carol Rondello. Or call (206) 288-2070 to make a donation by phone.
9 responses to Carol Ann Rondello
Rhonda Clancy says:
June 16, 2015
Carol was an amazing lady. She always had a warm and supportive word and a ready smile. She daily demonstrated grace.
Mary Youngblood says:
June 16, 2015
Dear Rondello family,
I just stopped by the music store and found out Carol passed away. Please accept my very belated condolences. I worked with Carol, briefly, at the Whatcom Land Trust. Carol was the most cheerful and kind person to be around and always uplifting. And a good laugher! And The Queen of th Dessert Dash. Much love to her family and may she rest in heavenly peace. Love, Mary
Abbe Rolnick says:
June 16, 2015
Ron,
My heart is heavy with your loss. Carol and I reconnected at the SCCA where Jim, my husband had a tandem stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma. We have watched and sent healing thoughts to Carol throughout. Jim and I are still on the journey. I know how hard it is. WE are never prepared for sharp turns life takes. Go slow, love, and share.
After all these years, friends of long ago, still care.
Barbara Jo Rondello-Bucher says:
June 16, 2015
Dear Ron and family,We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you and yours today. Such a beautiful woman, inside and out. Although we have been miles apart all these years and rarely see each other I always have remembered her beautiful smile. Always. Praying for you.
Love,
Barbara Jo
Colleen says:
June 16, 2015
I remember so many conversations at the cookie table on vendors row and parsing out cheese with Carol for our little cheese coop. Then there was our monthly recycling pick up. On these cold early mornings, the thought of working alongside Carol made getting up early to work that truck so much easier.
So sorry to hear that she is gone.