Carol Sass Mestas, of Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away on July 9th, 2023, after battling cancer. She was 80 years old.
She was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and moved to Tampa as a young girl. She graduated from Chamberlain High School. She married her husband Don in 1963 and they renewed their vows in 1990 at Nativity Catholic Church. Most recently she was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Tarpon Springs.
She lived in Florida most of her life with a brief time in Colorado to be near her daughters before finally settling in Palm Harbor.
She was a talented chef, artistic interior designer, seamstress, and skilled artisan. She enjoyed traveling. She loved to go shopping with her daughters and granddaughters. She liked dancing and listening to music, especially Golden Oldies, Elvis, and the Mammas and Pappas.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years Don; her three children Donald M. Mestas III, Tracy Mestas Cook, Joanie Mestas Holsomback, and their spouses; brother Ronnie; sister Kathy; ten loving grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; four sisters-in-law; five brothers-in-law; three cousins; as well as other family members and very dear friends.
She was happiest when those around her were “happy”, and she shared their pain whenever they encountered misfortune. Her internal beauty radiated equally externally. She will be loved and forever missed by all who knew her. She brightened the lives of all she touched. She was the anchor of her family.
Funeral sercices will be provided by Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home – Tarpon Springs. A wake will be held on July 14th at the funeral home from 6:00 -8:00 pm. A mass will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church the next day, Saturday, July 15th, 2023, at 10:00 am. Private memorial service and interment to be scheduled. The funeral home may be contacted with questons regarding services.
Please join us for a reception immediately following the Mass at the Church Parish Hall.
Thomas B Dobies Funeral Home - Tarpon Springs Chapel
St Ignatius of Antioch Roman Catholic Church
Joy & Bill Lindall
July 11, 2023, 7:57 pm
In life we have friends but our sweet Carol was a very special and loving friend to us. Always welcoming us with her beautiful smile and hugs.
Even in her last days she still had that smile and laughter as we talked. Always interested in our family. Her strength and courage were an inspiration to us and the beautiful love she had for Don was like no other. We were blessed to have known Carol and we will miss her terribly. Our loss is Heaven’s gain but we will meet again one day and enjoy our “no calorie” desserts. Praise God.
Doreen & Joe Zuravle
July 12, 2023, 4:32 pm
Carol, we miss you so much already. Our only regret is that we met you and Don only 14 years ago. When I hear the phrase, “When you’re here, you’re Family!”, I think of you. We have always been treated that way in your home, and been brought into the fold through you. What a table you set!! What a feast you prepared!! ……and so many pillows on the bed :))….These are memories to have forever! God Bless You and may He look after Don, and the rest of your exceptional Family. Love Forever!
Rick and Janet Hayes
July 12, 2023, 9:41 pm
We are so sadden by the news of Carol’s passing. She will be missed by family and friends but never forgotten. The love, laughter and joy she gave to others will always be in your lives. We will continue to pray for Don and family as they find peace during this period. All our love.
Dr. Jim Sass
July 25, 2023, 11:05 am
I haven’t seen my Aunt Carol since I was a child but she was always loving and welcoming when we visited. I’m sure she is missed by all those who knew her. My prayers go out to her family.