Carolyn A. Albert 1933-2022

Born in Columbus, the daughter of Otis Rochelle Chrysler and Helen Stagg Chrysler, she grew up in Gahanna. She graduated from Miami University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.

She was introduced to Robert “Bob” Albert Jr., a young executive with Bethlehem Steel, on a blind date in Columbus. The couple were married on Feb. 4, 1956, and had a loving marriage that lasted 63 years. They welcomed three children over the next nine years and raised them as they moved over the years to Cleveland, Bethlehem, Pa., Mansfield, and finally, Youngstown.

Carolyn was a member of the Junior League, and while living in Youngstown, served on the board of the local Ronald McDonald House. She was an active patron of both the Butler Institute of American Art and Fellows Riverside Gardens at Mill Creek MetroParks and a member of the Garden Club of Youngstown.

Carolyn took up golf in her mid-30s, a decision that led to many wonderful friendships at Westbrook Country Club in Mansfield and at the Youngstown Country Club. She excelled in the women’s golf associations, but cherished the time with Bob and their friends, who golfed together as couples, while playing some of the best courses in the world. Carolyn also became an avid snow skier and introduced the sport as a family activity. Many unforgettable ski trips ensued to Ellicottville, N.Y.; Killington, Vt.; and Steamboat Springs, Colo., to name a few.

She had great fun playing paddle tennis with friends at YCC and was quite competitive on the home ping-pong table, especially with her children and grandchildren. With the arrival of her grandchildren, “Nana” nurtured their love of books by reading to them from infancy and celebrating their academic accomplishments during her frequent visits. She also taught her grandchildren how to be ruthless competitors at Scrabble, euchre and gin rummy. In recent years, Carolyn and Bob enjoyed her 70th birthday in Paris and wintering in Naples, Fla., playing golf and entertaining friends old and new. Carolyn was a marvelous entertainer, and cocktail hour was an evening tradition, whether at home or traveling. Carolyn imparted much wisdom to her children and grandchildren about entertaining, etiquette, gardening, cooking, decorating, dinner parties, pie making, flower arranging and centerpieces. She could make a lovely bouquet using Queen Anne’s lace from the side of the road or whatever flowers she found in her yard. Carolyn took her role seriously as a member of the House Committee at Youngstown Country Club, where for many years she created lovely holiday decorations to be enjoyed by members and guests.

Carolyn always was impeccably dressed. Her eyes were a sparkling blue (her favorite color) that could stop you in your tracks. Some favorite “Carolyn” things included Dairy Queen, marshmallows, the film, “La La Land,” and the jazz ballad, “Here’s That Rainy Day,” recorded by Barbra Streisand. She was bright, sharp witted, loving and full of life; her presence was memorable, and she truly touched all of those she met. This was no more evident than during her last year in dementia care, where she entertained her neighbors and caregivers with her fashionable hats and infectious laugh, her true essence there for all to enjoy.

Carolyn is survived by her three children, Judy (Tony Fiorillo), Tom (Sandy Slater) and Steve (Jim Bozzi); five grandchildren, Matthew, Ben and Greg Fiorillo, and Madeline and Claire Albert; her brother, Dr. Charles Chrysler; niece, Melanie Slade; and nephew, Michael Chrysler.

She was predeceased by her husband, Bob Albert, in 2019.

A memorial service is planned for November 2022.

Arrangements are handled by Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory, Ltd., Blawnox, Pa.

Memorial donations may be directed to Presbyterian Senior Care Foundation, 1215 Hulton Road, Oakmont, PA 15139.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Woodside and Brookwood neighborhoods in the Hanna HealthCare Center, Longwood at Oakmont.

(special notice)