Carol Gierwatoski

Carol Marie Gierwatoski November 3, 1946 ~ August 18, 2013 Former Colorado resident, Carol M. Gierwatoski, 66, died August 18, 2013 at her home in Bloomington, MN. Her life was a testament to philosopher Lao Tzu's statement that, ""being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."" Carol was born November 3, 1946, in Denver, CO to Arthur and Annabelle Smith at Fitzimons General Hospital. Carol married her cherished husband, Francis Gierwatoski, on January 23, 1965 and they raised their family in Arvada, CO until he passed away in July, 1990. Carol then moved to Virginia, where she served as an administrative officer for the Defense Department's National Imagery and Mapping Agency until her retirement in 1995. Carol was an amazing homemaker, and her hobbies included gardening, needlecrafts, reading, gaming, camping, and wandering historic sites, fairs, and festivals. She was a passionate fan of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Avalanche, and she rarely missed Fox News. Her knack for being funny without trying to be made her the subject of infinite, hilarious family tales, and she made each holiday an event for her loved ones. Most of all Carol will be remembered as an active leader for the Boy Scouts of America. Being a child at heart who loved to be surrounded by children attracted all of her littlest neighbors to her and made her a natural leader for the scouts. Carol also worked for the council and developed many scouting events, such as Webelos weekend and Ookpik winter camping. Throughout her years in scouting, Carol was recognized for her achievements and ultimately was awarded one of the highest honors, a Silver Beaver. Carol was the beloved mother of three surviving children and their families; Gretchen Reilly and fiancée, Jackie Koury; Michael and Michelle Gierwatoski and their children, Ashleigh and Michael; Thomas and Shelly Gierwatoski and their children Thomas Gierwatoski, Danielle Evans, Mitchell Evans; and great-grandchild Lucy Melcher-Evans. She will be remembered in the hearts of her sisters, Alta Green and Margaret Stabile, her brothers, Paul (Gerrie) Smith and Eric (Deanna) Smith, her Uncle Lorren Smith and her many nieces, nephews and cousins. A Public Visitation will be held on Friday, August 23, 6:00-8:30 PM. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2013, 9:00 AM. Both services to be held at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada. A Reception will be held following the Service. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 12801 West 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge. Please share your memories of Carol and condolences with her family by signing the guestbook below.