Carol Gene Laakso

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Carol Gene Laakso who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Carol was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Carol knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Her parents were Charles and Greta Laakso. Carol was raised all over the world as a "military brat". Even as a youngster, Carol learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of ethics and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Carol was able to put her natural abilities to work. She liked to organize and lead. She had two sisters, Judy and Brenda. Carol had an inborn appreciation for the family. For Carol, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

Carol's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Carol enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Carol took part in cheerleading. In her spare time she liked to read Stephen King novels and watch scary movies. In school, Carol was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She graduated from Nuremburg American High School in 1970. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was English.

Carol’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Carol’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Pre-Law. She also pursued graduate school, earning her Juris Law Degree from Washburn University in 1978.

Carol was very sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Carol was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. Those close to Carol came to expect her high standards of performance.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Carol was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Carol was a person who could quickly make decisions based on fact based information. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Carol upheld her standards. Carol was an attorney dedicated to serving with purpose. She was very proud of her work at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to protect the rights of consumers and the safety of their deposits. She was also very active in the National Treasury Employees Union to strengthen the working lives of all FDIC employees. Carol was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Carol approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. Carol had a passion for life, loving her family, pets, and mother nature. She was an intrepid explorer who loved to travel, go to theaters and restaurants with friends and family. Always quick with her smile and sense of humor, Carol will always be with her family and friends inspiring them to enter each day with a generous, kind heart, and serve the call of courage and love. Carol was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Carol used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Carol had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Carol's favorite vacation was when she took her mom, sisters, and brother-in-law to Dublin, Ireland. She loved the train rides throughout the country, street muscians and multiple pubs.

Carol was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Carol loved her "critters". All were loved but "Spot" was very special.

Carol passed away on October 26, 2020 at San Antonio, Texas. She is survived by her two sisters, Judy and Brenda, her only niece, Greta Polcaro, a grand niece, three grand nephews, uncles, aunts and many cousins. She also left behind many friends, most notably is Jim Moschella with whom she enjoyed the theater and restaurants of New York.

All who knew her would agree that Carol was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Carol Gene Laakso did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to one or more of the following organizations: The National MS Society; the Humane Society; The National Conservancy; Bildawee.org for Rescued Animals; Animal Care Centers of NY; or the Marine Mammal Center.org. Links to these organizations are provided below.

Topic: Memorial Service for Carol Laakso

Time: Nov 14, 2020 01:55 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

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