Obituary
Carol Diane (Bolstad) Ronning, 89 of Longwood, Florida, passed to her heavenly reward at Advent Health Hospice Care after a brief but valiant fight against cancer on February 1, 2021.
Carol was born on November 5, 1931 to Conway and Lucille Bolstad in Minneapolis, MN. As a child she loved animals, especially dogs, and would open her heart and home to stray dogs that crossed her path. She graduated from Marshall High School and upon graduation became a flight attendant with Northwest Orient Airlines. At that time it was considered an adventurous and romantic type of career that had qualifications for beauty and grace, as well as physical stamina.
Her commitment to family started at a young age when her father passed away unexpectedly from a car accident. She helped her mother raise and support her two younger brothers, Joseph and Steven by working at farms picking vegetables. She was a generous and loving daughter and sister to her family.
In the mid 1950’s she went on a blind date with Douglas Ronning which turned into a longtime love affair and a marriage that lasted 64 years until her passing. They moved from Minneapolis to Omaha and settled in Convent Station, NJ in 1965 where they raised their four beautiful children. A loving and devoted mother she donated her time and talents as a den and room mother, to her children’s sports activities and supported the local hospital as a TWIG volunteer. Her home emanated love and laughter and all were welcome at her table for delicious meals and lively conversation.
In 1986 upon Doug’s retirement, they moved to Longwood and renovated a neglected home with a passion and flair for creating their dream home in the South. Her grandchildren called her Maymu and Florida was the perfect setting for spoiling them with trips to the beach, Disney theme parks, painting pottery as keepsakes for parents, making big pancakes on the weekend and many more memories which her grandchildren hold in their hearts.
Carol and Doug traveled throughout the United States and the world to wonderful countries such as China, Norway, Italy, France and Spain. In addition when the children were young, they traveled from New Jersey to California in a pop up camper. She enjoyed the outdoors, camping with her family and at times her mother came along for the adventure.
She is survived by her husband Douglas, children Craig (Kathleen) of New Hope, PA, Lauri Zeni of Albuquerque, NM, Dirk (Jenny) of Maitland, FL and Todd (Christine) of Lake Mary, FL. Grandchildren-Jennifer and Amber Haines, Megan Doyle, Mark Ronning and Blake Ronning, 7 great grandchildren, her brother Steven Bolstad and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Douglas Zeni and brother, Joseph Bolstad.
A memorial service will take place at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Lake Mary, Florida on March 6, 2021 at 10:00 AM. The service will be live streamed: www.Youtube.com/hclm or on facebook: http://facebook/lakemarychurch. Burial will be private
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her name to The Seeing Eye, Morristown, NJ (www.seeingeye.org).
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