Carole Joan Panzarella

Carole Joan Panzarella was born on January 19, 1939, in New Jersey to Len and Lillian Blauvelt.  She was the surviving sibling of four until her passing on April 19, 2022.  She met and married Gino Panzarella in Peekskill, New York in 1958, had their first baby girl in 1959, Giovanna Panzarella (Charleston), and then made their way by caravan to California with Gino’s parents and siblings in 1960.  They laid their roots in Southern California and had a second baby girl in 1962, Lisa Panzarella, a third baby girl in 1964, Elena Panzarella (Geyer), and finally a baby boy in 1967, Leo Panzarella. 

Carole was a wonderful and fun-loving person who enjoyed spending time with her family, singing, encouraging her children to put on skits for entertainment, big Italian family gatherings, cooking, doing crossword puzzles, and playing games to name a few.  In 1986, Carole (Nonna) and Gino (Nonno) became grandparents for the first time to Michael Charleston, then proceeded to have 4 more: David Charleston, Amanda Charleston, Dalton Geyer, and Kiley Geyer.  They relished every opportunity they had to spend time with them.  They were the light and joy of Carole and Gino’s life, and when Gino passed in 2010, they were the light, joy, and healing balm to Carole. 

James 1:17 says “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  Leo was born with severe, low functioning Down Syndrome thus requiring Carole’s full-time dedication.  Carole would often say that he was “A gift from heaven.”  Truly this was so.  What she devoted to providing the highest quality of care and love without complaint, was received as a double-blessing of joy, laughter, and fulfillment.   Leo was her reason for getting up in the morning, especially after the death of her husband, and on April 19th, 2022, upon her entrance through those pearly gates, God surely said, “Well done my faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.”