Carol Elizabeth Gabel Edwards

Carol Elizabeth Gabel was born Dec. 24, 1927 in Beloit, Ks to William and Lillian Gabel. Her father traveled for several years with the USO, so Carol was educated in numerous schools, but graduated from Kauai High School, Hawaii. There she met her husband, Alfred F. (Ed) Edwards. They had four sons, Charles G and Steven F. of Dallas, Howard C. of Red Oak and William “Bill" A.of Bastrop Texas.

After the war Carol and Ed moved to Dallas. She was employed for several years at Chance Vought-Temco, The Gift Market for Jack Houseman, and AAFES, but her true passion was swimming. In 1952 she joined the Catalina Club synchronized swim team that met at the Dallas Athletic Club. There she met her life long friend, Ruth Rydell. Although she only swam with the team until 1958, Carol continued her love of the water, happy to teach her sons and grandchildren how to swim. She also continued meeting some of the club members several times a week at the YWCA and Lakewood Country Club.

Another of Carol's passions was gardening. She began volunteering at the Dallas Arboretum in 1991. She was recognized at their annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in February for having given over 3,000 hours of service. She also volunteered at the Dallas Library for over 8 years.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred F. (Ed) Edwards and sister, Connie Pannkuk. Along with her sons she is survived by her brother, William "Bob" Gabel and wife, Cathie, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with numerous relatives and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Dallas Arboretum or the Dallas Public Library.