Carolyn Maltby

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Carolyn Maltby. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Carolyn was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Carolyn was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.

From the time she was born on March 8, 1944, Carolyn showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota to Clifford and Mary Zarembinski.

Because fellowship was so important to her, Carolyn promoted harmony with her siblings. She was raised with four siblings. She had three brothers, Dennis, Jimmy, Danny and one sister, Mary Ellen. Carolyn was something of the family diplomat. She helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Carolyn was considered by many to be a high achiever. She graduated from St. Josephs Academy in 1962. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers.

All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Carolyn was able to bond with her children. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her kids. Carolyn was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Carolyn was blessed with two children, son, Geoff and daughter, Cheryl. She were also blessed with four grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, Alexander, and Rachel.

Carolyn projected a subtle but positive influence in her workplace. She was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and she worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While her colleagues did not view her as a high-spirited type, Carolyn was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for her ideas. Carolyn could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. She possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. She was an innovator who worked well independently, and she enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. Her primary occupation was restaurant manager. She was employed with Perkins Corporation. She also worked for Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Carolyn was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Carolyn took on a new project, she saw it through to its completion. Her favorite pursuits were her monthly Farkle game. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Carolyn's attitude of working to make every day better was a way of life for her. It was a philosophy that she carried into her community activities and service. she enjoyed volunteering at Sarasota Suncoast Academy.

Carolyn was a well-respected woman who was charitable in every way. She would contribute without hesitation for the benefit of others. As a result, Carolyn received many accolades for varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Senior Volunteer of the Year at Suncoast Academy School.

Carolyn was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Carolyn's favorites was Tootsie a Chihuahua. They were best friends for five years. Her family was rounded out by her three cats, Sam, Lily and Sophie.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Carolyn accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in March 2009 from Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and Carolyn was well prepared. In retirement, she found new pleasure in volunteering, spending time with grandkids and swimming at her sons pool.

Carolyn passed away on November 6, 2011 at home in Sarasota, Florida. Carolyn fought a courageous battle against cancer. She is survived by her son, Geoff Maltby and wife Lori; daughter, Cheryl and husband Mike Klosterman; four grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, Alexander, and Rachel; three brothers, Dennis, Jimmy, and Danny Zarembinski; sister, Mary Ellen Weller; beloved doggie, Tootsie. Services were held at Palms-Robarts Funeral Home. Carolyn will be laid to rest as an Eternal Reef Ball at a later date.

Though she could be a private person at times, Carolyn was always able and willing to give of herself. She was so in tune with others that she often seemed able to read their minds. Carolyn carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of her life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Carolyn Maltby shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Carolyn for the strength of her convictions.