Carol Patricia Marini

Born on November 6, 1951, in East Carondelet, Illinois to the late Raymond and Marjorie Hayes, Carol was a cherished and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, known for her selfless, loving spirit and shining example of kindness and strength.

Carol was a warm and welcoming presence, often referred to as a "second mom" or “Momma” by those fortunate enough to know her, as she extended her nurturing and caring nature far beyond her own children. Carol will forever be remembered most for the immense size of her heart. Her compassion knew no bounds, and her generosity extended to both friends and strangers. Carol’s heartwarming “miracle” hugs oozed pure love and security. Her home was a sanctuary, and anyone who walked through her doors felt the unending warmth of her hospitality.

Carol is survived by her loving husband and best friend, Allan Marini, with whom she shared an extraordinary bond. The song “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin is how Allan describes his love for Carol as the first few lines say, “If the sun refuses to shine, I would still be loving you. If the mountains crumble to the sea, there will still be you and me.” The laughter they shared and their unwavering support for one another were a testament to the power of a deep and enduring connection, and a beautiful living example of a love that transcended both time and space. Carol is also survived by her beloved children, Nicholas Boland, Breanne Boland, Caroline Pambianco (nee Marini), Dave Pambianco (son-in-law); Lauren Alex Chase-Boland (daughter-in-law), and Sean Kiehn (son-in-law); her cherished grandchildren, Eyla and Julia Pambianco; and her loving brother Jack Hayes. She was preceded in death by her father Raymond Hayes, mother Marjorie Hayes, and brothers Jerry and Richard (Dickie) Hayes.

In her professional life, after graduating from Dupo High School in Illinois, Carol had a successful career as a manager at Southwestern Bell in St. Louis and then as a bookkeeper at B&H Machine in East Carondelet, followed by becoming a licensed realtor and real estate broker. She devoted the last 20 years of her career to being a highly respected and well-liked property manager in the Destin area.

Outside of work, Carol lived life to the fullest and embraced every moment. She found solace and joy in tending to her beautiful garden, particularly her cherished orchids. In the kitchen, Carol was a modern-day Julia Child, using her culinary talents to create elaborate meals that brought warmth and nourishment to those she loved. She had a passion for spoiling her dogs, Lilly and Sox, and loved spending time at the beach where she was most certainly wearing one of her pairs of beloved sparkly flipflops. She had a special affinity for the music of The Eagles, 1950s movies, and her all-time favorite TV show Blue Bloods. At social gatherings, you could almost always find her enjoying her signature drink: a delicious glass of White Zinfandel garnished with a cluster of maraschino cherries in the bottom of the glass, waiting for her favorite song, “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” by Elvin Bishop, to be played. She was a strong and incredibly determined woman who faced challenges head-on with a positive attitude–never complaining and always touching others with her radiant smile and witty humor. Above all else, Carol’s greatest love and source of inspiration came from her family, whom she cherished more than life itself.

At this time, a small and intimate gathering will be held by the family to privately honor Carol’s beautiful life and memorable spirit. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date, with further details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to or adoptions from The Lucky Puppy Rescue, an organization that Carol held dear to her heart. Additionally, the family encourages loved ones to consider donating blood and platelets to their local blood bank, as Carol recognized the critical importance of these contributions in her own battle with cancer.

As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the beautiful life she led and the love she shared with so many. We will always remember Carol as a beacon of light and love who taught us the true meaning of selflessness and unwavering support. Her nurturing spirit and strength will forever guide us, and her legacy of love will be carried on for generations to come. Carol left an indelible mark on this world with her beauty, grace, and love. Her memory will forever be etched in our hearts. May she find eternal peace in the arms of The Lord.