Carol Ann Tillema

Carol Ann Tillema, 72, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away November 3, 2025. Carol was born in Washington D.C. on September 21, 1953, to the late Robert and Mary (Flynn) Tillema.

Carol touched countless people's lives with her love of language, music, and teaching. Carol labored many years as a waitress and then grill cook at Florida Tech to support three children while earning her bachelor's and master's degrees in English from the University of South Florida in Tampa; she also studied Aviation Management at Florida Tech which drew from her love of flying, just like her two brothers who were helicopter pilots in the USAF. Upon graduation, Carol became an Adjunct Professor of English at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa.

After returning to Melbourne, Carol achieved her dream of teaching college English full time as an esteemed Professor at Florida Tech, where she later became the supervisor of the Writer's Den at the Student Success and Support Center. Carol was able to utilize her great level of expertise, love of language, and passion for helping others by working with Florida Tech students who were pursuing bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees.

Carol loved to dance, as she attended many concerts, both locally and statewide. She could often be found dancing like no one was watching, a trait that many of us found quite enviable. Carol lived her life with love, passion, and earnest care for others' well-being. She will be remembered for her kind heart and soul and for her zest for music and learning.

Carol is survived by two brothers and two sisters: Terese (Gerald), Bob, (Julie), Mike (Kim), and Mary and is also survived by her children Joey, Michael (Nick), and Sarah (Ted); grandchildren Nash, Sage, Tyler, Chelsea, and Colton (Robyn); and great grandchildren Rhett, Ashton, and Zavia.

Carol's life will be honored on November 21, 2025, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indialantic, Florida, where her children, siblings, other family, lifelong friends, and esteemed and treasured work colleagues will be in attendance. The visitation will take place at 12:30 and services will follow at 1:00, presided by Father Randall Meissen from Florida Tech's campus ministry.