Carol J. Akari

Akari, Carol J.
OCONOMOWOC, WIS. - Carol J. Akari, age 79, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, with her family by her side.
Carol was born on January 16, 1946, in Youngstown, Ohio, and was the daughter of the late Jonathan and Josephine (Rehak) Galus. She graduated from Ursuline High School in Youngstown, and remained proud of her Ohio roots throughout her life.
After marrying her husband Khalil Sabri Akari, Carol relocated to Schenectady, N.Y., where Khalil accepted a job opportunity with General Electric. Together, they built a life grounded in love, family, and shared values.
Carol worked in various retail industries and was a proud and honorable Girl Scouts "cookie mom" for her daughter's troop. She was actively involved in her children's schools, offering her time, energy, and heartfelt support as a volunteer and member of the parent-teacher organization at the Burnt Hills–Ballston Lake School District.
Later in life, Carol returned to school and earned an Associate Degree in business from Schenectady County Community College. After the passing of her husband, she pursued coursework in grief counseling and hospice care, earning a grief counseling certification from Maria College in Albany, N.Y., a reflection of her deep compassion and desire to support others through difficult times.
Carol was a vibrant member of the Red Hat Society, a social group for women that brought joy and connection through weekly gatherings. She also found community and support through the Parents Without Partners organization, where she played meaningful roles and built lasting friendships.
Carol had a deep curiosity about the world, and a lifelong interest in learning about different cultures. She loved to travel whenever possible, especially throughout the Northeast, often taking day trips that combined her love of discovery with her appreciation for nature, history, and shopping. She found joy in spoiling her grand-pets, and her greatest happiness came from cooking for her family, meals that brought everyone together and created lasting memories.
She is survived by her loving children, Jameel (Jayme) Akari, Omar (Amanda) Akari, and Sabrina (Ehren) Green; and her dear grandson, Mason Green. In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Khalil Sabri Akari; and her brother, Raymond Galus.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Rd., Ballston Lake, N.Y.
Interment will conclude the afternoon in Sweetman Cemetery, Charlton, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org, in honor of Carol's memory and her compassionate spirit.