Carol Ann Lak, beloved wife, mother
Carol Ann Lak passed away peacefully at home Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Lewes, surrounded by the love of her family after a short battle with metastatic melanoma. Born in Springfield, Mass., Dec. 30, 1947, Carol lived a life guided by dedication to family, education, faith, and community.
She grew up in Chicopee, Mass., where she began forming the strong values that shaped her personal and professional life. A graduate of Chicopee High School Class of 1965, Carol went on to study at Holyoke Community College and earned her degree from Canaan College in New Hampshire in 1971. She later completed her master’s degree at AIC, preparing her for a career in special education. As a teacher in Chicopee and Georgia, she supported and advocated for children with diverse learning needs, leaving a meaningful impact on many students and families.
Carol and Les married June 24, 1978, and moved around due to Les’ job, living in Thomasville, Ga., Holden, Mass., Deerfield, Ill., and ultimately raising their family in Schodack, N.Y., outside of Albany. They later retired in Lewes.
After years in the classroom, Carol chose to focus her energy on raising her four children, a role she approached with the same dedication and care that defined her work. She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Les Lak; and their children, Kristen Scesa (Mike), Allison Vavala (Joe), Jonathan Lak (Kelly) and Noelle Ross (Adam). She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Michael, Alexa, Tommy, Lila, Emma, Scarlett, Connor, Ella and Sofia; her sisters, Joyce Reed (Roger) and Donna Lapierre; her brothers-in-law, Bill Lak (Lynn) and Jerry Underwood; her sister-in-law, Cyndi Lak; and many beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom will carry forward the values and love she shared with them.
Carol was predeceased by her parents, Francis and Matilda (Skowyra) Galica; her sister, Nancy Underwood; and her brother-in-law, Ronald Lak. The family takes comfort in believing she is now reunited with them in peace.
Carol had a wide range of interests and took joy in the everyday moments of life. She loved organizing family get-togethers, shopping thoughtfully for others, especially at Christmas, reading, exercising, gardening, and traveling with her husband. She found joy in both the big adventures and the simple routines of life. Carol was a member of Lewes Yacht Club and an active parishioner at St. Edmond Catholic Church.
Her kindness, steadiness, and thoughtful presence will be remembered by all who knew her. Carol leaves behind a legacy of love, quiet strength, and devotion to others.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Monday, July 14, at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach. A viewing will be held before the service from 10 to 11 a.m.
Visit Carol’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
