Carole Emanuel Schenk

Carole was the loving and devoted wife of Charles “Charlie” Albert Schenk, III (predeceased), mother of Christopher (Karen), Lisa (Jim), Heidi (Michael), and Andrew (Amy), sister to Linda Andrechyn (Andy, predeceased), sister-in-law to Ronald (predeceased) (Carolyn) and Paul (predeceased) (Joan), aunt to many, grandmother of Alexandra, Kevin (Andrea), Luke (Katelyn), Valerie, Margot (predeceased), Cece, and Hope, and great-grandmother to Liam and Emma.

Fittingly born on Valentine’s Day, Carole was loved, immediately and without reservation, by all who knew her. Born in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania to William and Laura Emanuel, she spent her youth in Norwood, graduating from Glen-Nor High School in 1951, where she was the head of the color guard and May Queen that same year. She went on to model as a freelancer, as well as for Lord & Taylor, and was a graduate of both the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Modeling & Charm School.

Carole worked as a medical secretary at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia where she met Charlie and, upon his return from his military service in post-WW2 Germany, made him the happiest man in the world in by marrying him in 1955. They started their family in Philadelphia, moved to New Jersey, then to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they spent many years. They were members of Valley Brook Country Club in McMurray, Penn. They later became full-time residents of Singer Island, Florida, and, in the last few years, Stuart, Florida. They were also members of the Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach.

Over the course of their 65 years of marriage, they laughed daily, traveled the world, and were avid patrons of live theatre and music—Carole was also a gifted pianist, often playing in their home for family and friends.

A voracious reader, Carole was a member of many book clubs over the years, and could always be counted on to share a keen insight or memorable one-liner in equal measure. Known for her quick wit and impressive vocabulary, she inspired deep fear and awe in all those daring enough to play Scrabble with her.

Deeply generous to family, friends, and private charitable causes, Carole was a kind and giving person whose empathy and love increased the good in all those who knew her. She was a faithful Catholic, and as a family friend pointed out, it was befitting of her nurturing spirit to be called to Heaven on the day of the feast of the Holy Mother.

The profound love shared by Carole and Charlie was evident to anyone, and outlasted Charlie’s passing in 2020. Those of us who remember them know they’re together once again—if you listen close, you can hear the laughter.

A private celebration of Carole’s life will be held on a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Treasure Coast Hospice - https://treasurehealth.org/292/Donate