Carol Lee Bazylak

Carol Lee Bazylak passed away peacefully at her home on July 18, 2022, at the age of 83 in Destin where she had lived since 1974. She was the wife of retired Air Force Master Sgt. Martin J. Bazylak Sr. who predeceased her in 1997. Carol was also predeceased by her son Martin J. Bazylak Jr. (Penny) of Destin, daughter Jean M. Barfield (David) of Destin, parents Charles and Dorothy Vaughan of Destin, and sister Nancy Blank (Dr. Richard) of Plum Boro, Pa.

Carol was born on October 2, 1938, in McKeesport, Pa. After graduating high school, Carol married Martin J. Bazylak Sr. and began her life as a devoted military wife and mother raising 6 children while being moved to Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida. Carol and family spent much of their military lives in Florida while moving to Ft. Walton Beach in the early 60’s and then moving permanently to Destin in 1974. Carol spent a good portion of her early married life raising her 6 children and trying to keep order in her home which was affectionately referred to as “Fort Panic”. However, as the family came of age, Carol became involved in the profession of Human Resources and worked for many years at Humana Hospital of Ft. Walton Beach and later became the Human Resource Director at the new Destin Hospital until retiring.

Carol was a devoted mother, grandmother (Nana), and wife whose priority was taking care of her family. Carol was considered the glue that held the family together and was generous, loving and kind. She was also very quick witted and intelligent which was evident whenever you needed advice. Carol showed amazing strength the past year and a half as she unexpectedly lost a son and a daughter before their time. She will be missed but our love for her will be eternal.

Carol is survived by her sister Debbie Kelly (David) of Ft. Walton Beach, sons David (Michelle), Mark (Sherri), John, and Stan (Tammy) Bazylak of Destin, son-in law David Barfield of Destin, daughter-in-law Penney Bazylak of Pensacola, and many grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Destin Memorial Cemetery on Monday, July 25, 2022, at 10:00 am. The family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in lieu of sending flowers.

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