Carol Garibaldi

Carol Cooper Garibaldi, 86

Rocky River-Carol Garibaldi, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on October 11th, 2025. She was the cherished wife of Fred G. Garibaldi.

Carol was born on May 17, 1939, in Painesville, Ohio, the daughter of the late Eva and Lauri Cooper. Proud of her Finnish heritage, she grew up in Fairport Harbor and loved the close-knit community she called home. A 1960 graduate of the Mt. Sinai Hospital School of Nursing, Carol began her career in the hospital’s Metabolic Department before devoting herself to raising her family.

In addition to Fred, her loving husband of 61 years, Carol is survived by her devoted children: John Garibaldi (Carolyn) of Connecticut, Michael Garibaldi (Jenny) of Rocky River, Ohio, and Ann Garibaldi (Jeff) of Victoria, Canada. Carol was the adored grandmother of Matthew (Krista), Tommy, Lindsey, Julia, and Jack, and great-grandmother to Eli. Her love for her family was endless and unconditional.

Carol is also survived by her cousin, who was like a sister, Karen Rantala (Seppo) of Florida, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Carol’s greatest joy was her family. Known for her warm kitchen and generous heart, Carol loved to cook, especially during the holidays, when she would rise early to prepare pies, nisu (Finnish bread or “grandma bread”), and cookies weeks before Christmas. Her beautifully knitted scarves to cozy blankets, are treasured reminders of her care and creativity.

Carol always found great peace and happiness tending her flowers and watching the birds enjoy her garden. A member of the Rocky River Presbyterian Church, Carol was a gifted pianist and accompanist for the church choir. Carol enjoyed singing with her beautiful voice and sharing her love of music with her community. Carol also loved to read and was often found with a book or crossword puzzle in hand.

Fred and Carol were longtime members of Westwood Country Club and the Cleveland Yacht Club, where they shared many wonderful times with friends and neighbors. Carol was also a dedicated tennis player, competing for many years at River Oaks and in local leagues. She was well known for her determination on the court and the grace and sportsmanship she brought to every match.

Carol was a beautiful woman, a devoted and loving wife, a wonderful mother, an irresistible grandmother, a loyal and dear friend to many, and a trusted neighbor. She was genuinely loved by all that knew her. Her life was one of kindness, grace, and steadfast love, qualities that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She filled her life with, family, music, flowers, and joy.

Our family will be forever grateful for the kind staff and Vitalia Senior Living, and the compassionate staff at Ames Family Hospice House.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, October 14th from 10 am-noon at Busch Funeral Home, 21369 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River. Funeral Services following at 12:30 pm at Rocky River Presbyterian Church at 21750 Detroit Road, Rocky River. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Carol Garibaldi, may be made to the Ames Family Hospice House- Hospice of the Western Reserve at 30080 Hospice Way, Westlake, OH 44145.