Carol Hastings, 68, beloved wife and mother, passed away after a brief but courageous battle with cancer at Wilson Memorial Hospital on April 27, 2023.
She was predeceased by her parents, George and Alice Schlager, brother, Thomas Schlager,
sister, Margaret Gilfus, and her parents-in-law, Matt and Katie Hastings, as well as one of her best friends, Linda Camarda.
She is survived by her husband, Jim, her two daughters, Katie (Joe White) and Jennifer, her sisters-in law, Maureen Hastings Breen (Scott) and Joanne Hastings, her brother in law, Jack Gilfus, two nephews, Matt Breen and Matt Gilfus, her aunt, Gloria Hastings, as well as numerous cousins, friends, and coworkers.
From a young age Carol was devoted to selflessly caring for others. As a teenager she tended to her father through a prolonged illness and volunteered as a candy striper at Auburn Memorial Hospital. Later in life she cared for and was at the bedside of her older brother, Thomas, and her mother, Alice, in their times of need.
Upon graduation from Auburn High School in 1973 she went on to study at Saint Joseph’s College of Nursing and Niagara University, ultimately earning her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. It was during these years at nursing school that she honed the skills and expertise to match her boundless compassion. She formed friendships that, despite time and distance apart, she forever cherished. In 1976, while on vacation with these friends, she met Jim Hastings, her “6’5” green-eyed guy.” Jim and Carol described falling for one another at first sight. Numerous love letters, phone calls, and long drives later they were wed on October 21, 1978 and enjoyed 45 years of marriage together. Genuinely a “match made in heaven,” Jim will miss her dearly until they are reunited once more. Carol and Jim’s two daughters, Katie and Jennifer, will forever be grateful for her unconditional love and support. Mom was, and will continue to be, a confidant and the special spark that made every birthday, every holiday, and every day feel magical.
Carol began her 42 year nursing career at Lourdes Hospital in 1978. A vast majority of this time was spent in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit, where she comforted countless members of our community and made numerous and much loved friends.
To all of those among us whose lives she graced with her gentle spirit and selfless soul, she would ask that we celebrate her life by carrying fond memories in our hearts and to never miss an opportunity to tell our loved ones how much they are cherished.
The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Thursday, May 11 from 5-7 pm.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the American Cancer Society.