Carol Rae (Moore) passed away this morning, June 24th in Tampa, Florida at the age of 87. She was born on September 21, 1938 in Titusville, Pennsylvania where she graduated high school in 1956.
Anxious to leave her small town behind, after graduating, Carol moved to Washington DC where she worked for the FBI taking and reading fingerprints. From there, she moved to a variety of places to include Miami, Oklahoma where she worked for the Census Bureau, Los Angeles, California, where she was a bank teller, then returning to Titusville in the mid-60s. In Titusville she worked at the former Sylvania and Penn Theater and even recorded a country-western record (45 rpm), the Gypsy and the Word.
From Titusville, she moved to Greenville, Pennsylvania, where she dabbled in the antique business and started a postcard business that was featured in the National Enquirer. She relocated Raleigh, NC and Front Royal, Virginia where she continued her book business. From there, she moved to Tallahassee, Florida, and, finally, Tampa, Florida.
In 1988 she graduated from Thiel College with a Bachelor’s degree in communication. She was a self-described artist and poet.
She is survived by her three daughters: Saoirse (Sheri) Mishler Staub, Kelly Mishler Akerley, and Summer Rae Garcia. She has four granddaughters, Hannah, KT, Lina, and Etta; and two surviving sisters, Ginny (Moore) Monroe and Susie Moore. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Carl, “Eddie,” and Gary.
No funeral or memorial will be held. Carol chose to donate her body to the University of South Florida’s Forensic Science program to advance science. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Democratic National Committee.
Deborah Jensen
June 26, 2026, 2:38 pm
Carol was an amazing woman. I will always remember her SPARK…yes, most of all, her spark. Rest in Peace and Power. And thank you for being a friend 🧡
Saoirse Moore Mishler
June 26, 2026, 2:38 pm
Kelly did a fantastic job with our mother’s obituary. Never a dull moment with my mother, she was always trying new things, whether it be a job a place that she lived or one of her last hobbies, turning thrift store men’s ties into all sorts of objects , before her dementia said, and she seemed to have boundless energy, and she would make some pretty magical things from things she picked up at thrift shops… don’t let her have a glue, gun, glitter or paint!!! she even bedazzled her TV at one point…. One of the most remarkable things she did during her life was when she gave up smoking.. She always said one day she would just decide she didn’t wanna do it and stop, and damn if she didn’t do exactly that…. Pretty politically active she had been to see John Edwards speak at FAMU here in Tallahassee, she got a little short of breath and had to go to the emergency room after that she said no more smoking and that and she did it.. I look forward to hearing other stories about her, I’m sure wherever she is she is re-organizing it and bedazzling everything. I love you mom
Mother
June 27, 2026, 12:51 am
I am who I am because of Mother. She lived a tumultuous life, but never lacked love or dedication to her “girls.” She raised us being aware of politics and our voice. She could be harsh, but also very aware. I can’t use the word “loving” because she didn’t love in conventional ways. She taught me strength, survival and how to never show bullies weakness. She warned that sentiment could be a weapon. She wasn’t a perfect mother or human, but she is what we had. She gave me and my sisters a far better life than the one she had.
maria elena marquez saiz
June 27, 2026, 12:55 am
My deepest condolences to the three of you, I know how hard the loss of a mother can be.. May Carol Rest in Peace😪🙏🙏💔
Lois Moore
June 27, 2026, 9:02 pm
I can only hope you and Eddie are having a good and long talk (and laughs) because he missed you and talking to you so much. I have missed you and will always miss you.
Ray and Carol Kuzmich
July 5, 2026, 11:51 pm
I met Carol back when I was 18 and she was 33. She and my sister were best of friends and I met her through my sister. My husband and Carol were also friends before we met and she introduced us. We did a lot of hanging out together playing guitar and singing, until she moved to Florida. We missed her after she moved, but spoke on the phone now and then. Our sincere condolences to you all and may Carol Rest in Peace.
Karen (Susie) Davison
July 17, 2026, 2:31 am
I met Carol when I was 16.She was like a role model , sister and then a best friend throughout my life. I admired her,loved her and looked up to her and always enjoyed her company. I’m going to miss her as I’m sure anyone who was lucky enough to know her will. Till we meet again my friend.