Carol Martino lost her courageous four year battle with breast cancer in October 2007. Wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend - Carol's love was strongly felt by all who knew her.
This website is dedicated to Carol's memory and to all those who have survived or fallen to breast cancer.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Fighting Breast Cancer
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.
- From the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website
Photo Album
A Few of Carol's Favorite Things
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Guest Entries
Susan and Wayne Joplin, Friends and Neighbors
Carol wore many hats in her life. These are just a few...
Wife: Joel you were her life, her joy and her happiness... and she was yours. The love you had for each other is an example for us all.
Daughter: The devotion and love between mother and daughter was obvious to those around you both. Bobbie, these last years you have been there for Carol when she needed you. What a wonderful relationship you both had.
Sister: Ken and Pete, she loved you and loved playing tricks on you. I believe she will continue to play them (Like the rain when you got out of the car the other night). Now you can really blame them on her.
Aunt: Ken, Ryan, Brandi, Brianna, Brittney and Olivia; you were her delight. She would beam when she talked of you. For the past two summers, the three “B” girls kept her going. She loved having you visit and planning things for you to do. Fishing, Pirate adventures, you name it!
Friends and More: Jason, Elayna, and Jeremy. Carol always told me that all she ever hoped for with you was to be your friend. I think she became much more than a friend to you and certainly you were her sons and daughter. In the hospital she was walking and telling the nurses about Elayna's wedding and the nurse said, “I thought you didn’t have children? Carol had trouble explaining because you all were never her “step” children? She hated that word. She loved you so much and you were so important in her life.
Cousin: Carol had many cousins, a few of whom I’ve actually met. Jamie, you were wonderful to come and stay when she and Joel needed you. Once again, family was so important to Carol.
Another “Hat” was her talent as an artist. Her jewelry was a beautiful tribute to her, and her ability to decorate for any and all holidays or occasion was to be admired.
Last but not least, she wore the hat of Friend to all she met. Everyone that met Carol loved her. She touched so many lives. She was always ready to go and everything was an adventure. Wherever you wanted to go, she was ready. We visited quilt shops, nautical stores and many other places? Yet somehow we always finished up at Whole Foods. We could call Carol and Joel at 4:30 and say lets go out for dinner tonight. By 6 o’clock, we’d be on our way.
I never heard Carol say anything unkind about anyone. She was always positive and joyful. I think if any of us get cancer, we hope we can go through it with the grace and dignity that Carol did.
I could go on to tell many stories? but I think it’s your turn. Instead, I would like to close with a prayer.
God, you took Carol home on Monday. She was a tribute to you throughout her life. Thank you for sharing her with us; our lives have been enriched by hers. Please bless her family at this sorrowful time and give them the courage to go on as she would want.
Amen.
Jason Martino, Son
“But I’m not his real grandma,” Carol said when I was telling Gabe how lucky he is to have 5 grandparents. It made me mad. Of course Carol is Gabe’s real grandma. Who wouldn’t want Carol to be his grandmother?
I was 17 when my parent’s divorced, and Carol married my father shortly after. I was happy that my father found a wonderful partner who loved and adored him and his kids too. But I was not looking for another mother. We always got along and had fun together. It wasn’t until later that my feelings for Carol grew.
It started when I brought my girlfriend Jess down to Florida to meet Dad and Carol. They had a lot of traits in common: smiling, hugging, optimism, a good nature, a true love of people. And most bizarrely, they ate the same – as if every morsel of food was the most prized delicacy that they would never again have the pleasure to eat. They got along all too well.
I began to appreciate Carol’s immense moral intelligence – the personal, social, and emotional skills that my father and I often lack- which gave her the ability to really enjoy her life and enhance the lives of all who knew her.
Shortly after, Jess and I were engaged. Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer. My first thought was, “It couldn’t have happened to a sweeter person.” Within that year, she underwent a double mastectomy and grueling chemical and radiation treatments. She beat the cancer just in time for our wedding in New Mexico. She called it her son’s wedding. That made me feel really happy.
She made those slips again – “my son’s wedding”, “my grandson’s first birthday”, “my daughter’s wedding”. They weren’t slips at all. They were realizations.
Goodbye Mom.
John Martino, Brother-in-Law
There are so many fond memories of Carol - they all come flooding to my mind. The one thing they have in common is Carol smiling. She was such a good natured person that it overwhelms other memories. The other thing that comes to me now is that Carol was always a good sport. Whatever we did with her, swimming, riding bikes, diving, cooking she did it with enthusiasm. A lot of enthusiam. Carol was the best.
Joel Martino, Husband & Companion
Carol was like an avalanche. She did things in a really big way - so much so that people would sometimes think she was a little goofy.
She loved kids to a distraction and never spared anything to make each and every child who entered our lives happy.
Decorating our house, making Christmas cookies, snorkleing, making jewelry, putting up holiday decor, dancing, cooking, entertaining, sailing and much more were done in joyous abandon without regard to time spent or effort expended.
Our life was an adventure from the very day we met. I wanted Carol to like me. So I figured I would impress her with my constant adventures. I soon found out that she was way ahead of me on this subject. Every day became an adventure. We became addicted to each other though our constant pursuit of adventure.
The adventures never stopped til she died. We had it all.
Gerry Hergott, Friend and Member of Grandmother Triumvirate
I only met Carol four years ago, at a time when she was starting her fight against the greatest challenge to her life; yet she was still able to celebrate one of the greatest joys of life. It was the wedding of her son, Jason, and my daughter, Jessica. We shared a cancer story or two, as we were both going through chemo and wearing our blonde wigs. Her story was destined to have an end that came too soon, but the pages of her life were still full and rich. Carol and Joel continued their Wisconsin trips, stopping along the way to visit with all the Chicago Martinos. The last trip wasn't an easy one, but seeing Carol relaxing in Joel's arms and watching her little grandson, Gabe, you wouldn't guess it. My sorrow and my love go to all the Martinos and to everyone in Carol's family, but especially to Joel and Mema. I can't imagine losing a wife and daughter so young and vital, even though you may be relieved her suffering is over. Carol was surrounded with your love and care, and it must have made her final journey easier. She looks so pretty all in pink in the race for the cure, and we will happily make a donation in Carol's name. Hopefully, they will work hard at discovering a cure for metastatic breast cancer.
Judy and Bob Lindstrom, Friends and Elayna's Fiance's Parents
We met Carol for the first time a couple of years ago in Chicago. It was a fun night talking and sharing interests over dinner with Carol, Joel and Elayna and Bob. We saw her warm outgoing personality shine as the evening continued, and we were looking forward to more enjoyable visits with them. Last January when we called Joel, he told us that Carol was ill and the cancer was back. We said we would cancel our visit, but Carol said, "No, it's OK!"
Carol had just begun her treatments that week, and we knew of the side effects she was experiencing . . . but Carol never showed it. She was smiling, taking us through their home where we saw her creative and artistic decorating talents all over. One of the highlights was the workroom Joel made for Carol with her jewelry making machines and bins of colorful stones from which she created her designs. I could tell how making things for others made her feel happy. But what Carol really enjoyed most was showing us the family photos throughout the house and sharing the memories of her and Joel.
We met her sweet and warm mother, Mema, that day. Then, Carol and Joel took us all out for lunch to a favorite place. It was a replay of the nice time we had before visiting with them in Chicago except now Carol was enduring the cancer treatments. But she never let that overshadow our time together.
We all went back to the house when Carol said, "We're going sailing!" She was busy packing a basket of drinks and treats, and helping us sail off. She was determined that we wouldn't leave without sailing with them . . . and we did . . . all day! How giving and kind Carol was, regardless of how she felt. She still had that excitement in her personality. We will remember our short and lovely time with her forever.
Carol showed us that day how much it meant for her to make people happy and to have fun with your family and friends!!!
Denise Guardino, Family Friend
Carol was a courageous woman with the most incredible attitude. When I spoke with her a few weeks ago about her illiness, she did everything to comfort and reassure me that she would be fine and not to worry. A lovely person indeed!
Jim Cryns
My wife Kris, my girls and I only met Carol one time, at the wedding in Santa Fe. We also met her mother at the wedding. We were truly amazed how comfortable we felt around both of them, and we commented how we felt we'd known Carol a long time. If our first impression of the woman was any indication, Joel and everyone else who knew her were fortunate. I am deeply saddened by this news.
I knew Carol was battling her disease even at the wedding, but you couldn't tell from the joyous look on her face, and her sheer excitement for the wedding. I inquired about her during the last few years, asking Joel and Jason to relay our thoughts and positive wishes. I knew things had worsened as of late, but I wasn't ready for her to leave. I know she was well loved by all the Martino children, and Joel. We are truly happy we had a chance to know her, even if for a little while. We will think of her often.
Rita, Brian, Nicole, Christian & Baby Ella Soto, Friends
What a true blessing it was to know Carol and be a part of her life. She had such a zest for life and was always a joy to be with. No matter what the holiday, Carol knew how to decorate and celebrate in the most amazing way. She enjoyed and savored every day and lived for the moment. She had a genuine love for all children, all children. She herself was a child at heart. My children loved Carol. They loved to visit because she always had so much to share. Each year they enjoyed to visit for each Holiday to see Carol's passion at work with her decorating. They were intrigued by the detail she put into her home to celebrate. For Halloween they spent hours staring and playing with her Hallmark haunted miniature village; or for Christmas to see her amazingly beautiful Christmas tree or to taste her Christmas cookies which were ALMOST too beautiful to eat. But most of all they loved to visit with Carol. This world could use many more Carols. We will miss you Carol. We will cherish the memories we have of you forever.
Ken Van Dyke, Brother
"Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true
Some day I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me Where troubles melt like lemondrops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?
Some day I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me Where troubles melt like lemondrops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?"
This is the song that Carol wanted us to remember her by. Our little Tinkerbelle. She is gone now ..... where troubles melt like lemon drops, where the clouds are far behind her ..... over the rainbow where dreams come true. She is happy, and flying high on another adventure.
She lives on in all of us who were lucky enough to be a part of her life - relative, friend, neighbor. She was a shining bright spot in our lives, and she always brought happiness and joy with her. All of us are better people for having had Carol in our lives; she was one of the good ones.
I'm having a real tough time getting used to life without her, and it still feels like she is close by. She has left a big hole in our hearts, and it hurts a lot. It feels so empty. Strangely enough, the best comfort I have gotten is from others who share the same loss. Suzy, Wayne, Bill, Eileen, ALL of her beloved neighbors and friends ...... what a blessing you brought to her life. She spoke of you often, and it was so great to see you all come together for her.
Family was the biggest part of Carol's life, and she loved being daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, cousin ...... and we all loved her back. She had the best hugs and brightest smiles. She made bad times not so bad, and she made good times even better. You loved to be with her.
Joel, Jason, Jeremy, Elayna ........ you gave her the gift she could never give herself - Motherhood and a real family of her own. I know how much Joel loved her and how much she loved Joel. And I know how much she loved her grandson Gabe. But I never knew just how strong and real the bond was with her children until I finally had time to spend with Jeremy and Elayna. What a great family she had.
Joel told me that the last conscious happy moment Carol had was when Jeremy showed up at her side. She knew that her family was with her.
I think that "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is a good way to remember Carol, and I have been playing it over and over in my mind. And after each "playing", a little tag-line comes in from the Beatles:
"And, in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."
Elayna Martino, Daughter
A mother's love is generally perceived as inimitable. Yet I have been blessed by the care of two wonderful mothers. Each has influenced my upbringing in many different ways but both have given me unconditional love.Carol and I shared the same birthday, May 29th. At age 8 I found this to be an extraordinary coincidence. Through nearly twenty years of birthday celebrations, Carol loved me as the daughter she always wanted. She lived vicariously through me as a young girl, occasionally splurging on lavish doll collections, knowing that I would temporarily outgrow them. Now they are all perfectly preserved for me to give to my daughter, someday. At times I resisted her guidance, but I always knew that she deeply cared for me. My own Mother always knew this too.
There were endless nights dressing up in Carol's closet, trying on jewelry, and chatting until dawn. Carol never bid me to bed. I told her many stories; she told me hers. And we never tired of our memories. Sometimes we would argue. By evening, any trivial dispute softened into enlightened conversation, or often into a midnight dance party or a cookie bake-off. Years later, we would sneak off to dive bars and cafés while my Dad rested. We had learned to appreciate each other's differences and savor the bond we had cultivated so carefully.
When I asked Carol if she would escort her grandson Gabriel and my Mother down the aisle at my wedding, her face lit up with one of her most beautiful smiles, agreeing enthusiastically. She was fighting for her life and I never allowed for one moment of defeat to enter into my thoughts. Carol never for a moment surrendered her commitment to be there for her children, even when she knew she could not. That was her strength. That is how she won.
My Dad tells me that I should take comfort in the idea that Carol lives in me today. Indeed, she is a part of all that I am. Thank you Carol for loving me so much. I'll be seeing you in my dreams, in my thoughts, and in all the things that I do.
"What Cancer Cannot Do"
Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit.
Winter 1999. Author Unknown
Brianna Van Dyke, Niece
First, I would like to tell you about my Hero. She was kind, sweet, nice, beautiful, smart, brave, loyal, helpful, friendly, creative, adventurous, a good leader, talented, and a good role model. And she was totally cool. My Aunt Carol died from cancer on October 16th 2007. She lived half a life. But she always told me to follow my dreams no matter what happens. And I want to be just like her when I grow up. She was such a talented artist. She could draw anything she wanted to and it would be the best drawing I had ever seen. She is my Hero.
Nancy Campbell and Joan Davies, Cousins
This is a wonderful website; we really enjoyed looking through the pictures. We will really miss our very special cousin. Love her lots! xoxoxoxoxo. Florida will never be the same.
There is a bridge of memories
From earth to heaven above
It keeps our dear ones near us
It's the bridge that we call love