Carol Cleone Chiapuzio

BESSEMER, Mich. — Carol Cleone Chiapuzio, 84, of Bessemer, lost her battle with Parkinson's on Nov. 21, 2023.

Carol was born on Nov. 30, 1938, in Covington, a daughter of Glen and Hilma Thiede. She graduated from Luther. L. Wright High School in Ironwood with the class of 1957.

On April 30, 1960, Carol was united in marriage to the love of her life, James, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Ramsay, by the Rev. Louis C. Cappo. Together they were blessed with four children. James preceded Carol in death on March 26, 2022.

Carol was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer.

Carol worked a variety of jobs throughout her life, retiring at the age of 77 from Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Center, after 23 years of employment there. Her favorite job was working at the Bessemer SuperValu for 20 years until the store's eventual closing. She would often reminisce about the fun times and great friendships made while working there.

The family was amazed at Carol's ability to still, at the age of 84, recite the very long poem "Paul Revere's Ride," which she learned while in the sixth grade. She loved watching game shows and was an expert Jeopardy player. Carol also loved working various crossword puzzles.

Carol is survived by her four children, Jim Chiapuzio (Sue Johnson), Gene Chiapuzio, Renee (Pete) Volpe, and Tina (Mark) Bruns; her dear friend and loving daughter-in-law, Jane Chiapuzio; 11 grandchildren, James John Chiapuzio, Jake Chiapuzio, Jordy Chiapuzio, Brett Chiapuzio, Allison Chiapuzio, Michael Chiapuzio, Andrew Chiapuzio, Christopher (Brittany) Chiapuzio, Amanda (Derek) Gauger, Peter (Julia) Volpe and Katie (Brendan) Cunningham; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Walter (Kathy) Thiede; a sister, Kathy Thom; sisters-in-law, Mary Ellen Chiapuzio, Barbara Chiapuzio, Janet (John) Juonie and Debi (Bill) Joki; brothers-in-law, Bob (Carole) Chiapuzio and Chuck Tauer; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends, including John and Gerie Saari.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one sister, JoAnn Ahola; and two brothers, Norman Thiede and Marvin Thiede.

Special thanks to Jimmy and Sue for the special care they provided to Mom, and thank you to Aspirus Hospice nurses, Julie McCarthy and Leah Tucker, for their compassion and assistance during Carol's final days.