We are heartbroken to share the news that we lost the matriarch of our family, Carol Lee Rose Barwick, on Christmas Eve, 2023.

Carol Lee was born in 1942 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Go Pack Go). She had 2 sisters, Rosey and Kathy, who were her 1st best friends, and 2 brothers, Jerry and Albert. Carol married the love of her life, Dennis Barwick, in 1961 and they celebrated their 62nd anniversary this past October. Together they raised 4 children and were the proud grandparents of 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. They also were very proud of their 12 grand-dogs who actually out-numbered their grandchildren!

Her family was the light of her world. Her four children, Barry, Cathy (Dick), Robert (Kimberly) and Tim (Amy); grandchildren, Josh, Becky (Zach), Cori, Erica, Bobby (Britany), Parker, Tristan and Caleb (Sara), Claire, Brett and Sam; and great-grandchildren, Violet, Reese, Avery, Ella, Roland and Little Sam; will deeply miss her adventurous spirit and kind soul.

Carol and Dennis accomplished their goal of lake living by building their dream lake house in 2005. Rockwood Resort became the gathering spot for the past 18 years for birthdays, anniversaries, wedding receptions, holidays and many long weekends. And we sure had fun! From the moment you walked into Carol's house you were greeted with delicious cakes made personally by her, beer in the fridge, and dinner on the stovetop. Not to mention that she always had plenty of her famous popcorn mix and Twizzlers.

Carol enjoyed playing card games with her family, including Nerts (NO CHEATING TOLERATED), Yahtzee and B.S. During our long, hot summer days hanging out on the dock, we could always count of her to throw watermelon slices and popsicles to the grandchildren and she never excluded her adult children because she knew they would grumble! Carol was an amazing gardener and always had fresh vegetables from her garden on the table. She loved to cook, read, fish and watch Nascar (go Truex!)

When mom was diagnosed with ALS on May 15, 2023. It shattered not only the life of her and Dennis, but of all of us as well. Carol battled ALS with great strength and never stopped fighting. Her worry was not just for herself but for all those she knew she would leave behind. In her final days, we were graced with an angel to help us care for her. Brenda Holman was her voice and legs and never failed to make her laugh. We are forever grateful for this angel. Her husband, Dennis, was her most faithful companion. He never left her side and provided her with comfort and support until the end.

Dad wants to thank his family, friends, neighbors and nurses for all the love, help and support over the last 7 months. Special love to Bob and Kimberly who graciously opened up their home to Mom and Dad and worked tirelessly (ok, who are we kidding…they were tired!) since September.

Mom, we will miss you always. You were such a bright light to all those around you. We love you so much. We are taking mom back home to her lake house and a private family service will be held at a later date.

ALS did not win. Carol lived her life to the fullest and we will remember her for that and not for this cruel disease that took her from us.

She is Gone by David Harkins

You can shed tears that she is gone

Or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.

Your heart can be empty because you cannot see her

Or you can be full of the love that you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she is gone

Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what she would want ; smile, open your eyes, love and go on.