Carol Mika ’70 (sister of Nancy Mika ’72)

Carol Ann Mika passed away suddenly in St. Luke’s Hospital on Monday, September 11, 2017 after a short severe illness. Carol was born in Toledo, Ohio on October 14, 1952 to Henry and Phyllis Mika. She attended St. Patrick’s of Heatherdowns and McCauley High School. She excelled in academics, graduating second in her class and was recognized for her achievements in national math testing. She made many lifelong friends from McCauley and was proud of the education she received.

Carol traveled to Europe with her high school girlfriends, spending summers exploring the many cultural wonders which she would remember for the rest of her life.

Carol attended the University of Toledo and worked for many years at St. Luke’s Hospital in the accounting and administrative departments. She was a detailed and professional employee and was often the go-to person to solve difficult problems. After St Luke’s she worked at many and various businesses both large and small in Toledo, Aeroquip, an eye clinic, Metzgers Printing, a veterinary office, Blue Cross, HCR Manor Care, never quite finding the right challenge.

Carol had a lifelong love for music, theater, the arts, film, and fashion. She had an amazing ability to take in information on the subjects she was passionate about and could recite facts about people, places, and events, often besting Jeopardy competitors. She was a member and/or supporter of such organizations as the Black Swamp Blues Society, the Toledo Museum of Art and the Valentine Theater. She credited her Aunt Ruth for exposing her to the arts at an early age.

Carol’s passions took her to concerts and plays across the country, especially Chicago, and New York City. Carol was an intrepid traveler often trekking to destinations solo to witness the latest and best the artistic world had to offer. She recently went to Broadway to see the original cast and performance of Hamilton which she said was one of the best performances she had ever witnessed.

Carol was always in the know with the latest releases and new musicians and movies often correctly predicting critical acclaim and future success.

Carol was a firm believer and supporter of the library and frequented her local branch often. She had an extensive personal collection of books, especially cookbooks, which inspired her to often prepare gourmet meals for friends and family.

Carol spent the last years of her life caring for her aging relatives. She was a tireless and compassionate caregiver to her mother, her father, her uncle and most recently her aunt in their declining years.

Her compassion extended to nature where she donated her resources to Natures Nursery and would many times save young or injured creatures she would find in the Oak Openings region of Whitehouse, where she lived.

Carol was preceded on death by her parents, Phyllis and Henry Mika; grandparents, and uncle, Bert. She is survived by her loving and adoring husband, Tom Freimark; her brother, Tom Mika; her sister, Nancy Mika, and her aunt, Ruth Mika.

Carol’s enriching presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be take place at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant Street, Maumee, Ohio on Wednesday, September 20th, from 3-7 p.m., followed by a short memorial service at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, any contributions or donations can be given to Natures Nursery in Whitehouse in Carol’s name.

walkerfuneralhomes.com

View the online memorial for Carol Ann Mika-Freimark

Published in Toledo Blade from Sept. 17 to Sept. 19, 2017