Carol A. Wojcikowski

Carol Anne (Aylesworth) Wojcikowski, of Syracuse, passed away February 12, 2025, after a short stay at St. Joseph's Hospital. She was 83 years old. While she was at St. Joe's, Carol was surrounded daily by her pride and joy, her large family.
Carol was the matriarch of the family, a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an adoring grandmother and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family and friends, making every moment special with her unwavering love and gentle spirit. Whether it was a quick visit, a road trip, or lunch at a local restaurant, she cherished every second with those she loved. Her presence brought warmth and laughter to every gathering, and her love will forever be felt by those she leaves behind.
Carol was born July 3, 1941, to the late Robert V. and Loretto (Bowes) Aylesworth. She had a fun childhood growing up on the West Side, living on Elliott and Finch Streets as well as Twin Hills Drive. She could often be heard telling stories about growing up. Carol was a 1959 graduate of Most Holy Rosary.
After graduation, she went on to work as an Elevator Operator with Niagara Mohawk. She went on a blind date and met Paul Wojcikowski, whom she married on May 11, 1963. That blind date was bowling, which became a hobby the two of them shared throughout their marriage.
In 1965, Paul and Carol bought their only home they ever lived in and moved to the North Side, where she lived on Huntley Street for 56 years. After their first child was born, Carol decided her calling in life was to be a Mom and Homemaker, raising her four children and caring for all of their friends who went in and out of the doors of 250 Huntley Street. Paul and Carol were married 44 years before his passing in 2010.
Carol loved her family, and they meant everything to her. She always made sure her children had everything they needed to be successful. Every morning before school, she made them breakfast and either packed them lunch or had their.65 cents ready to go to buy school lunch. She would send them off to school and go about her day as a homemaker, enjoying having company over, working on small projects, buying from Jewel Tea, and getting dinner ready for that evening. She was one of the rare ones that enjoyed ironing clothes. Later in life, after her children were grown and had their own families, Carol insisted on ironing their laundry when she would visit their homes. Carol's dinners were heartwarming and comforting; shepherd's pie, Spanish rice, tuna noodle casserole and spaghetti and meatballs were a specialty. After school snacks were wonderful, making grilled cheese sandwiches or elephant/rhinoceroses' sandwiches. She always made her boys a grilled cheese when they came over to the house after moving out. While her children were the light of her life, they started having children and her grandchildren started having children. Carol absolutely loved being a grandmother and a great-grandmother. Known as Monkey Grandma, she was supportive of everything her grandchildren did. She would often be seen at their sporting events, musicals and plays, and all their school activities. She was loved by all and a grandmother to many, also being called Monkey Grandma by her grandchildren's friends.
Not only did Carol love her family, but she also loved babies and children. She opened up her home to babysit and care for, she says, 21 kids over the years. That number is most likely more. Every Christmas, she and Paul would have a huge Christmas party for all of the children she watched, each one receiving a gift.
Mrs. Woj, as she was known in the neighborhood, was very active. She was PTO President of Wester Elementary for many years, hosted an exchange student from France (Caroline) and from Scottland (Cameron), and was a Communicant of St. Daniels Church. For a time, she sold Avon. She enjoyed bowling for many years, bowling in the Monday Night Pastimes Athletic Club bowling league as well as being a sub for many other leagues on the North Side. She enjoyed games and cards and was an avid bunco player. She played the card games 31, pitch, and pinocle. She continued playing pinocle up until her hospital stay. She loved the game of rummy, teaching her children and grandchildren how to play.
A life-long fan of Syracuse Football, Carol was a season ticket holder for over 30 years, going back to the days of football in Archibold Stadium. She cheered for her Orangemen from her seats in Section 318 in the Carrier Dome. She also cheered on the Syracuse Basketball team for many years, attending games with her friend. Carol was a supporter of The Make-A-Wish Foundation Ms. Orange Fan luncheon, attending the event for many years. She was also a member of the Syracuse Orange Pack and a volunteer at the SU Fan Fest.
Along with football comes tailgates. She and her "Lunch Crew," as they were known, organized tailgates before every home football game and many away games. She also was a fan of Notre Dame football, having a special sweatshirt made to cheer on both teams when Syracuse played Notre Dame. When not cheering on her two football teams, Carol could be seen in the stands cheering on Nazareth College Lacrosse or SUNY Potsdam Lacrosse.
After Paul's passing in 2010, Carol made road trips with her friends and family, traveling to Georgia, West Virginia, the Outer Banks, and Copenhagen, NY for lemon meringue pie. She also enjoyed lunches out with friends and family.
In 2021, Carol moved to Brookdale Assisted Living in Liverpool where she quickly fit in. She became the president of the resident council, was an avid bingo player, and took up Wii bowling, joining a Wii bowling league. She organized trips for residents and welcomed new residents to Brookdale. It has been said, "Carol was a friend to all!"
Carol is pre-deceased by her husband Paul C. Wojcikowski, a brother, William Aylesworth, and a sister, Kathleen Aylesworth.
She is survived by her four children, Betty (Hal) Milligan of Liverpool, Robert (Gloria) Wojcikowski of Pennellville, Mike (Amy) Wojcikowski of Liverpool, and Tom (Michelle) Wojcikowski of Carthage, NY. Ten grandchildren, Kaci (Aaron) Goebbel, Abby (Rob) Schroder, Mallory (Juwan) Douglas, Jennifer (Laura) Gardner, Stephanie Wojcikowski, Ian Wojcikowski, Aiden Wojcikowski, Konrad (Adalee) Wojcikowski, Jordis Wojcikowski, and Brodie Wojcikowski. Seven great-grandchildren, Silas, Paige, Mason, Elliot, Whitaker, Magnolia and Gavin. She also is survived by two brothers, Vince Aylesworth and Paul (Katie) Aylesworth and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be February 22, 2025, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at Epiphany Parish at St. Joseph's the Worker in Liverpool, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 pm preside over by Reverand Daniel O'Hara. A burial at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations to be made to The Make-A-Wish Foundation in Carol's name. Arrangements have been made with Carter Funeral Home.