Carol Ann Kozlowski, 73, passed away from cancer surrounded by family and friends on March 3, 2023. Carol was born to Stanley and Lillian Kozlowski on May 6, 1950, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Carol grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Later, Carol pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education. Her professional career focused on higher education administration. Most notably, she provided administrative support to the Chancellor of University Research Park at University of Wisconsin-Madison and later in her career she coordinated regional, state, national and international events at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Gruenhagen Conference Center, a job she approached with passion, conviction, and a true sense of service to guests. A career milestone was the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh STAR Award in 2009, an award that recognizes university staff who distinguish themselves by their commitment to excellence in their performance.

Carol skillfully combined professional work ethic and high standards with warmth, care, and a personal touch. Carol had a special connection and generous empathy with young people, especially those struggling with the hardest aspects of life. Throughout her career, she mentored and supported students who worked at the Gruenhagen Conference Center and never shied away from spending additional time with students who needed support with a resume or managing the stressors of university life.

Carol enjoyed a vibrant array of hobbies and interests. She loved gardening in her backyard where her flower beds and artful arrangements were unrivaled. Thrifting was one of her most loved pursuits and was enjoyed as sport. She would spend hours hunting for treasures to delight herself as well as her loved ones. She also loved spending time at the family cottage at Half Moon Lake where she played with her nieces and nephews lakeside, decorated the walls with eclectic thrifting treasures, and listened to songs by Jackson Browne and Paul Simon.

Family, close friends, and canine companions were at the center of Carol's life. She was a caregiver to Lillian for many years and her dedication allowed Lillian to enjoy living independently at home. Carol was also a beloved sister, aunt, and friend. She showed up for all her loved ones in countless ways and was always there with kind words of encouragement, belly laughs, or sandwiches on a moving day. Carol had a special connection and relationship with dogs of all kinds, especially her beloved dog, Lucy (aka "Luceka"), who she loved with all her heart. We know they are happy to be together once again on the other side.

Carol is survived by her mother Lillian Kozlowski; sisters Margie Kozlowski (Friederichs) and Pat Kraemer; brothers-in-law Gerald Friederichs and Mike Kraemer; nieces, nephews, nieces-in-law, and nephews-in-law Greta Friederichs, Hannah Friederichs (Spouse: Seth Truran), Peter Friederichs, Sara Kraemer, Matthew Kraemer (Spouse: Wendy Kraemer), Michael Kraemer (Spouse: Carly Kraemer), Elizabeth Hiatt (Spouse: Matthew Hiatt); grandnieces and grandnephews Lillian and Lucas Kraemer, Madisen and Jameson Hiatt, Cheyney and Telford Underwood; and close friends Craig Hendry, Pat Lohrey, and Debbie Patrenets. Carol is predeceased by her father, Stanley Kozlowski.

Carol was beloved by all her nieces and nephews, who they affectionately called "Bean", "Beano", "The Big Bean", "The Black Ant", and "Auntie". In their own words and a drawing, some of them describe their relationship to her:

Peter Friederichs: Carol was my other mother, the one who would always watch out for me. There will never be another like her, and I will miss her terribly the rest of my life.

Hannah Friederichs: Hannah created the beautiful portrait paired with this obituary as a tribute to Carol.

Seth Truran: I can't express, or even truly fathom, what being without Carol now is like. I will forever mourn that what of her I keep with me is not enough.

Greta Friederichs: Carol was a safe haven - compassionate and supportive. I could always count on her to make me feel better and include me in whatever she was doing. She taught me how to drive, did my hair and makeup before ballet recitals and always brought me a crate of clementines for St Nick. I'll miss you forever Beano!

Elizabeth Hiatt: Carol was not only an aunt, but a confidante and mother figure to me. She always brought the fun and was the consummate gift-giver! Carol taught me to throw caution to the wind with a "why not?" and that laughter and music soothes the soul. I was honored to be in her universe and will feel her absence the rest of my life.

Sara Kraemer: Carol loved a part of me that was misunderstood and not recognized by others. That was her gift to me. I hope I gave a small part of that gift back to her during her last days on earth.

We extend our gratitude to the team at Unity Hospice in De Pere, Wisconsin, for their compassionate care during the last days of Carol's life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. If you are so inclined, you may make a donation in Carol's honor at the Humane Society of Green Bay.