Carol Besaw

Carol Besaw passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2014, after a long illness. Carol was born on February 9, 1928, in Green Bay to the late Ray and Mae Gaffaney. On July 10, 1948, she married Gerald Besaw. Gerald preceded Carol in death on August 20, 2002, after 54 years of marriage. Together they had eight children.

Carol was a stay at home mom for the first half of their marriage, taking care of six boys and two girls. After the children were grown up, she worked at several jobs, the longest of which was tending bar at Ray's Bar on Main Street in Green Bay. She was an avid bowler, playing in several leagues over the years. She also enjoyed shooting darts and playing foosball. She enjoyed crafts, making numerous Christmas decorations for all of her children. She enjoyed spending time at the trailer on White Potato Lake. Her deep love of children was evident any time little ones were around her. She was also quite musical as were all members of her family, learning to play the piano and accordion on her own. She especially enjoyed the concerts her sons gave at Care for all Ages over the last three years.

She was preceded in death by all her siblings, three brothers and spouses, Derwood (Alice) Gaffaney, Dale (Dorothy) Gaffaney and Dick Gaffaney; two sisters and spouses, Eloise (Robert) Herman, Audrey (Mel) Baker. Also preceding her in death, brother- in-law, Frank Besaw, Don "Gordy" Besaw, Roland "Dick" (Betty Amenson) Besaw and Robert Besaw; sister-in-law, Marge (Hank) Horkman; sister-in-law, Pat Vaness.

She is survived by her eight children, Jack (Shirley) Besaw, Ray Besaw, Sue (Ken) Kaster, Russ (Jean) Besaw, Marilyn (Larry) Fisette, Steve Besaw, Dennis Besaw, David Besaw, all from Green Bay. She is also survived by her step brother, Ed Monfils; step sister, Ermma Klaus; sister-in-law, Rose (Jerry) Dekeyser; brother-in-law, Maynard Vaness; sisters-in-law, Anna Mae Besaw, Cathy (Besaw) Baylie and Jan Gaffaney; 19 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Carol's family would like to give special thanks to Unity Hospice. Individuals were too numerous to mention, but what an awesome team they have at Unity Hospice.

Friends may call from 4:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday, February 13, 2014, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, with a parish prayer service at 7:30pm. Visitation will continue from 9:00am until time of Mass at 10:00am, on Friday, February 14, 2014, at St. Willebrord Parish, 209 S. Adams St., Green Bay. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Friday at the church with Rev. Andy Cribben O.Praem. officiating. Entombment will be at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.