Carol J. (Alexander) Desmond

Carol J. Desmond, fondly remembered as “Mom,” “Mrs. D,” and “Sittee,” passed away peacefully on October 4, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Carol was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on July 12, 1938, a daughter of Kelly and Mae (nee Essad) Alexander.  She graduated from St. Columba Grade School, Ursuline High School, and attended Youngstown College (now YSU).  Afterwards, she went to work for Butler Wick & Company, where she met the love of her life John Desmond, who’s accounting firm was located in the same building.  John would say he visited her throughout the workday to get stock quotes, but we all knew he was going to see her.  John and Carol married on November 19, 1966.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother and sisters, and many relatives.  She is survived by her two sons John Desmond and Martin (Sarah nee Barbish) Desmond, together with her four grandchildren Jack, William, Brady, and Lucy, who were her pride and joy.  She is her grandkids’ favorite person and they are hers.  She is also survived by her brother and many relatives and close friends.  Carol made the Desmond family home on the northside a place of gathering for neighborhood kids to feel safe, loved, and, of course, well-fed.

Carol was a devoted Catholic and attended Mass daily.  She spent most of her life volunteering throughout the community at St. Maron Church, Our Lady of Lebanon National Shrine, St. Edward Parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, Ursuline High School, Cardinal Mooney High School, Holy Family School, and Stambaugh Pillars.  She took great pride in being a Eucharistic Minister and delivering Holy Communion to patients at St. Elizabeth Hospital and homebound individuals.  She was awarded the Silver Massabki by the National Apostolate of Maronites, which is their highest layperson award in recognition of her devotion and volunteerism.  Whether it was caring for a loved one, cooking (she loved cooking), sewing, lending a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to bend, Carol was always there to help everyone she knew and anyone who needed her.

When she wasn’t praying or helping others, Carol could be seen cheering on the sidelines of her grandkids ball games.  She was their biggest fan and one of the loudest voices in the crowd, who wasn’t afraid to let the referees know when they made a bad call.  She was an inspiration and lived by three simple rules – tell the truth, do the right thing, and help others.  She was a special person who touched the souls of everyone who knew her.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fox Funeral Home, 4700 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio.  There will be a Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday October 10, 2024, at St. Maron Maronite Church, 1555 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown, Ohio, followed by a private burial at Calvary Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband John.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Antonine Sisters, 2675 N. Lipkey Road, North Jackson, Ohio, 44451; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105; or Junior Achievement of Eastern Ohio (for Michael Alexander Scholarship Fund), 1601 Motor Inn Drive, Suite 305, Girard, Ohio, 44420.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio. 

Family and friends of Carol may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to leave condolences for the Desmond family.

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