Obituary of Carol J. Harkowsky

Carol Ciecierski Harkowsky November 24 1942 ~ November 24 2021

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our mother, Carol, today on her birthday while surrounded by family.

Our Mom was a woman whose legacy is straightforward yet one of utter importance: she was simply the best Mother any 5 kids could have asked for.

She instilled in us the importance of respect for all, a thirst for knowledge, history and education. She shared her compassion for animals, her love of music and sports, her kindness towards others and her patriotism for her country with all of us.

Growing up, her non-judgmental demeanor made our home a favorite of our friends night and day. She listened patiently and encouraged our dreams - no matter how crazy they may have sounded. She made sure you had a guitar if you mentioned you'd like to take lessons or money for those concert tickets you just had to have. She put the five of us through private schools, chaperoned school field trips, worked tirelessly with the PTA and took us to NYC to the museums and to the beach every summer. She made sure that our letters got to Santa so that we would enjoy Christmas mornings that were beyond magical. And, she did it all on a shoestring budget while never, ever complaining and always while doing without for herself.

Carol retired as Office Manager from Garden State Brickface and Stucco, Bayonne.

She leaves behind five children, ten grandchildren, one great granddaughter and two nieces along with many others who loved her.

She told me many years ago that she only asked God for one wish: to die before any of her children. "Mom, you got your wish."

Go in peace Mom, you did a great job. We love you.

All arrangements are private and under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For information or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com