Carole Gerst-Katz

GERST-KATZ--Carole, nee Granat, 67, on July 28, 2008. Today would have been her 68th birthday. Carole was an accomplished artist and Administrative Assistant at Small Property Owners of New York (S.P.O.N.Y.). Although Carole's special gifts of color and design grace countless homes and offices, her art is but a small portion of her legacy. Though blessed with beauty, talent, and style, she was never filled with herself. Polite, considerate, devoted to family, and fiercely loyal, she would never gossip or betray a confidence. One could not have a better or more thoughtful friend. And yet Carole was playful, with a keen sense of humor, marvelous laugh and beguiling charm. She was also strong, with a determination and courage that let a younger Carole overcome obstacles that most young mothers would have found insurmountable. Raising two little girls on her own, she built a career as an artist that provided the secure home her children needed to become successful and independent adults. Because Carole never dwelt in the past, her friends of later years had no inkling of how hard she had battled. And that was the way Carole wanted it. She was always positive, looking forward, never back. Carole always intended the world to see her at her best, and succeeded, even to the very end when cancer began to overpower her. Deeply loved by family and friends, Carole had all the virtues and more. She will remain treasured in our hearts forever.