Carol Klimek, our beautiful, creative, and deeply loved mother, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, surrounded by her children.
With an artist’s eye and an entrepreneur’s heart, Carol’s life was defined by love, family, and creativity. Married to her beloved husband Joe for 68 years, together they raised five children, and built an unconventional life. Joe passed away last June. Not a day has transpired since without Carol profoundly missing him, so we take solace in knowing that mom and dad are reunited once more.
Born Carol Ann Schneider in Brooklyn, NY, in 1937, she was raised in Maspeth, Queens, where she met the love of her life at a dance when she was just 15 years old. Together they embarked on a love – and adventure-filled journey spanning seven decades. Growing up, Carol was especially close with her sisters, Corinne and MaryEllen, as well as her brother Henry, deep bonds that endured throughout her lifetime. All of the Klimek family treasured the summer days spent with our cousins, aunts, and uncles at the Schneiders’ tiny beach cottage in Rocky Point, NY.
Carol and Joe raised their children in their dog-filled, happy home in Smithtown, NY. She was a busy mom of five kids, all of which were born before she turned 30. She was a PTA leader and a great believer in public school education. Carol and Joe relocated to Ridgewood, NJ, in 1989, before eventually retiring to Waitsfield, Vermont, where they found peace and beauty in the mountains. A lifelong voracious reader of the New York Times, she remained curious, politically-opinionated, and style-conscious throughout her life. Carol was a staunch Democrat, and proudly campaigned for George McGovern, Mario Cuomo and Barack Obama. She was pro-choice, pro-women’s rights, and pro-workers’ rights. She loved music especially John Denver, James Taylor, and Janis Ian.
Carol was a gifted florist and business owner, establishing Morning Glory in Ridgewood, NJ, in 1993. She poured her heart into all that she created, and particularly loved the woman-centric space she fostered within her shop. Her employees became dear friends. Her floral arrangements were renown and treasured. Carol’s love of beauty extended beyond flowers – she had a gift for design and decor, collaborating with Joe to build several homes, each one reflecting her unique style, color sense, and whimsy. Spring green and chocolate brown were her signature colors. She had a penchant for beautiful ribbon and wrapping paper, as well as all things Parisian. Carol was a lover of French cooking; her roast chicken and her charcuterie were legendary.
She was deeply devoted to, and cherished by, her five children, her 13 grandchildren, and her five great-grandchildren. Family was the center of her world, and she was incredibly proud of each one of her progeny. Family gatherings, especially those in Vermont, were always filled with wonderful food, 1000-piece puzzles, and a ton of laughter. She will be remembered for her grace, artistry, and the deep love she gave to her family and friends. Her spirit will continue to bloom in every flower, every home-cooked meal, and every heart she touched.
Carol is survived by her sister MaryEllen and her husband Tony, her brother Henry and his wife Karen, her children – son Stephen and his wife Cindy Klimek, daughter Elizabeth and her husband Bill Pelzar, son David Klimek, daughter Jennifer and her husband John Hamlet, and daughter Amy Klimek and her husband Josh Roth. Her grandchildren are deeply missing their Nana: Sarah Davidson, Jennifer Malta, Alex Pelzar, Jonathan Pelzar, Olivia Pelzar, Dylan Corey, Ava Klimek, Charlotte Hamlet, Casey Hamlet, Claire Hamlet, Isabella Hogan Gutman, Henry Roth, and Jordan Roth. Her great-grandchildren miss her as well: Cale, Brody and Noah Davidson, and Easton and Emery Malta.
A private memorial service will be held in Carol’s honor. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she has taken that country road to be home again with Joe.
