Carol Ann Spillard Zadra died on April 20, 2017 at the age of 81. Carol was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 26, 1935. She is survived by her husband, Lee, two daughters, JoAnne Zadra Heyer (Christopher) and Suzanne Zadra Schroeder (Michael), four grandchildren, Abby, Zack, Leah and Aliza, her sister, T.J. Blondin (Marv) and sister in law, Jan Kalish.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Reta Strong Spillard and Leroy Spillard, and brother, Robert Spillard.
Carol received degrees in education from University of Detroit- Mercy and University of Michigan graduate school. She taught grade school in Iowa, Illinois and Michigan. Carol was also a registered nurse and worked in surgical, emergency and industrial areas of medicine and published bacterial research and educational articles.
As a lover of music and art, Carol was a classical pianist in her youth and a member of the Michigan musical society chorale as an adult. She filled her family's homes with her oil paintings of landscapes and still life. She enjoyed traveling Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and the United States. Carol found peace and happiness in the outdoors and time spent at the family cottage, "Camelot".
Carol enjoyed laughter and excitement which she showed by her enthusiasm at Saint Patrick’s day celebrations and University of Michigan football games. She was a supportive wife, mom and grandmother, often surprising her loved ones with a gift, token or treat to show her love; it brought her great joy to be with her family. She was an advocate for the under-privileged and poor, an avid Democrat and a feminist before feminism was in vogue.
Carol will be remembered for her vibrant red hair, beautiful smile and laughter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 10 at 1:00pm at The Meadows of Wildwood Clubhouse, 111 Meadows of Wildwood Blvd., Wildwood, MO.
To donate by mail, please complete our donation form and mail to:
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Gateway Chapter
1972 Innerbelt Business Center Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63114
For questions, please call (314) 590-2230.