Carol Garde, a gifted gabber, accomplished singer, and stylish dresser, passed away from a sudden illness on December 30, 2025. 

Carol never met a stranger. Forever on the go, she filled her days volunteering with Beloit’s women’s shelter, Caritas, Beloit Memorial Hospital, and the Beloit Senior Center. Wednesday nights were reserved for rehearsals with her Sweet Adelines choral group, followed by cocktails at the local bar. Even in her later years, she maintained a bustling social calendar that included a monthly coffee club at Wendy’s, lunches with her singing partners, and frequent gatherings with her family. 

She was never short on conversation topics. A committed reader of the Beloit Daily News and People magazine, Carol stayed current on everything from local politics to celebrity gossip. She loved movies and was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers, with a special fondness for Christian Yelich. Carol additionally kept watch on those closer to her, staying up to date on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, rotating their framed photos to match the latest accomplishments. 

In her youth, Carol was widely regarded as the prettiest mom on the block. At 95 years young, she still never failed to “put on her face” or get her nails done, accessorizing with an endless rotation of colorful, coordinated outfits and matching necklaces. Her commitment to glamour was matched only by a lifelong love affair with sweets. She was known to manage her figure by eating a side salad followed by pie à la mode; a Bismarck or powdered sugar donut was always appreciated. 

Carol will be remembered for finding purpose in every day, no matter the circumstances. Her mantra was simple and unwavering: get up, get dressed, put a little makeup on, and get on with it. 

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Garde. She leaves behind five children, Deborah Carvill (Charles), Diane Harryman (Don), Dawn Meyer (Dave), David Garde, and Dori Boxberger (Mitch); five grandchildren, Matthew (Rosa), Ashley (Seth), Morgan (Ariel), Courtney, and Autumn (Chad); Mama Garde’s bonus grandchildren, Kory, Nick, and Kevin; and ten great-grandchildren, Hudson, Nora, Piper, Jack, George, John, Millie, James, Hank, and Leo. Carol is also survived by her siblings Jim, Bob, and Patricia. 

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held in the spring