11 Oct In Memoriam: Scranton Schools Director Carol Oleski

Carol Oleski, longtime community volunteer and current member of the Scranton School Board died Tuesday after a long battle with lung cancer.  She passed at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, surrounded by her family. Carol was married to her devoted husband, Tom, for 30 years. Tom was Carol’s rock for the duration of her battle, tirelessly caring for her.

Carol was a resident of Scranton. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Nov. 20, 1962, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Catherine Gillen Owens. Carol was a 1980 graduate of West Scranton High School. Carol was employed as a crisis intervention specialist by the NEIU and was currently serving as a Scranton School Board director.

Carol was a selfless, compassionate and determined individual who always put the needs of others before her own. Carol was dedicated to improving the lives of others, especially children, through her roles as a foster parent for over 25 years, former PTA president and current school board director. Her experience in these roles have touched the lives of over 10,000 children. Carol built a warm and loving home, having an open-door policy where everyone was treated like family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Carol’s physicians, Drs. Montella, Fateh, Peters and their staffs.

Also surviving are four children, Jennifer; Thomas and his wife, Kylie; Katrina and Brandon; adopted daughters, Felicia Rocco; Jessica Rosario; Ally Legora and Briana Eder; grandchildren, Felix, Angelina, Marcos, Jelissa, Angela, Sofia, Jaylani and Angel; and over 100 foster children throughout her 25 years as a foster parent. Carol is also survived by her sister, Kathleen Layton and husband, Paul; and many nieces and nephews.

Carol was also preceded in death by adoptive daughter, Donna.

A blessing service will be Saturday at 6 p.m. by the Rev. Duane Gavitt in the August J. Haas Funeral Home Inc., 202 Pittston Ave., Scranton.

Friends may call Saturday from 2 to service time.