Carol M. Diem

Carol Ann (Menges) Diem, 83, passed away peacefully at her home in South Bend, IN, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Carol was born on September 20, 1942, to Alice (Ramroth) Menges and Joseph Menges in Troy, NY, and was raised in Troy and Rochester, NY. She loved spending her childhood summers at her Aunt Gert's cottage on Great Sacandaga Lake, NY. She attended Irondequoit High School and worked for several years at Rochester Telephone company.
Carol met her husband Jerry on a blind date at Eddie's Chop House in 1962, which became a literal blind date when she lost a contact lens on the floor. Fortunately, love was not blind, and the two married in 1965. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in February of this year.
Carol dedicated herself to raising their two children, volunteering at the school library, and leading a Campfire Girls troop. She was an avid reader and instilled a love for books in her children and grandchildren.
Carol was a dedicated Notre Dame fan and for years hosted tailgates for home football games behind the old bookstore and later in the library lot. She would be decked out in her ND gear, right down to her earrings and temporary tattoos. She enjoyed welcoming friends and roommates of her children and grandchildren. Carol was known for her thoughtfulness, carefully selecting gifts for family and friends and never forgetting a birthday!
Carol treasured her time with her grandchildren and loved being their Grammy. She read books to them when they were little and taught them how to play card games when they were older. She was always lighthearted and playful. Carol loved when her children and grandchildren came to visit and would begin preparing months in advance. She and Jerry travelled to see their grandchildren as often as they could and enjoyed the extra time spent with two of the grandkids when they attended Notre Dame.
Carol is survived by her loving husband, Jerry; her daughter Jennifer (Scott), and her son Jason (Lori); and grandchildren Madeline (Eleanor), Brendan (Vanessa), Gavin, and Zaryk. She is also survived by her brothers Don (Karen) and Paul (Joyce) and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
The family would like to extend their deep appreciation for the staff at Senior 1 Care and Caring Cove Hospice, who cared for Carol over the last few years, and last few days, of her life. They will be forever grateful for the support and kindness both organizations provided.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, 375 W. Cleveland Rd., Granger, IN 46530. Palmer Funeral Homes-Hickey Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Because Carol adored her pets and loved all animals, in lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that you please consider a donation in her name to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County. Donations to the National Kidney Foundation are also welcome.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
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