Carol Ann Speltz

Aug 21, 1937 ~ November 20, 2017

Daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to all. The only child to Oscar and Emma Brolin, Carol was born in Jamestown, NY.  They moved out west to Grants Pass, Oregon where Carol graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1955. She attended Gonzaga University where she met her husband Karl Speltz and graduated 1959.  Karl and Carol married in 1960 and have four children and 7 beautiful grandchildren. Carol’s life has always been about helping others.  As a principal of St. Mary’s School, in Spokane, WA for 15 years or the 11 school systems she taught in across the US and overseas, Carol was dedicated to educating young minds.  As the chairperson and director of the volunteers for the Christmas Bureau, Carol worked effortlessly to get others to devote time to those in need. She believed that “Community’s generosity generates a sense of pride.” She was honored with Gonzaga’s Philomathea Award for loyalty and service and Gonzaga’s Distinguished Alumni Award.  At the University of Nebraska, she worked with gifted children and subsequently began working toward a doctorate in education.  Concurrently, she published “Project Natural History”, an innovative, government funded experimental program designed to enhance learning and student interaction with museum artifacts and specimens.  Because of these efforts, she received a statewide grant to disseminate and continue the project. She also presented papers at state and national symposium on such topics as science, gifted students, families in relocation and human interactions in education.  As president of the Military Council of Catholic Women (MCCW), Carol continued with her devotion to helping others.  MCCW focused on the catholic action and the religious formation of women affiliated with military installations in Europe.  As a result of her continuous involvement and leadership as a lay woman, she was awarded the Terence Cardinal Cooke Medal in 1977.  Carol also served on numerous religious and civic boards throughout the US and Europe. Being a military wife and mother, Carol provide a home for her family in 19 different location across the US and Europe.  Her personal passion beyond her family was spending time rafting on the Rogue River in Southwestern Oregon, painting, and gardening. We would like to thank all those who cared for Carol including Holly Anderman, Horizon Hospice, and Legecy Gardens of Spokane.  Your compassion, love and care for her as she battled Alzheimer’s meant so much to our family. And especially, you Dad, for the years you provided comfort and devotion to your beautiful wife. She is survived by her husband, Karl Speltz; son Jon Speltz and daughter-in-law Paula Cassidy; daughter Mary Meucci, son-in-law David Meucci and grandsons, Matthew and Joey; daughter Monica Broerman, son-in-law Larry Broerman, and grandsons Benjamin and Jon Michael; son Peter Speltz, daughter-in-law Lisa Speltz and granddaughters Sadie and Madeline; brothers-in-law Terry Speltz and Bob Anselmo and sister-in-law Susan Anselmo. Her death was preceded by her parents Oscar and Emma Brolin and granddaughter Lilly Rose Broerman. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 2nd at 10AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 219 E. Rockwood Blvd, Spokane, WA.  Donations in her memory may be sent to Spokane Veterans Home, 222 E 5th Ave, Spokane, WA  99202.  Online condolences and memories may be posted at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.

Mom, we all loved you and we will miss you!

 Service Information