COLUMBUS
“MAY I HAVE THIS DANCE”
Carole Robin Allen (Fiedler) Goshorn died on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Greentree Senior Living Community where she had lived with husband Gary for the past year. Her passing followed a fifteen-year journey with Alzheimer’s. The family imagined her next moments of entering Heaven’s gates to receive first a hug from her savior Jesus, then from her brother and her parents who eagerly awaited her arrival.
Carole was a revered and acclaimed science educator. Carole loved ballroom dancing with Gary. Carole was a classy lady who exuded grace and dignity without effort. She cherished being a wife, and a mom and grandmother. She was a proud Miami University Alumna who continued to fly university’s colors sporting a Miami lap blanket at Greentree. Her warm smile served as her handshake. That well-known smile still radiates today – Remembered by many.
Carole was the daughter of the late Edward and Elaine Allen Fiedler. Her brother Scott also pre-deceased her in 1973.
Carole was born in Indianapolis April 26, 1951, and was graduated from North Central High School where she was a National Merit finalist in 1969. As much as she loved academic rigor, she balanced that with other activities including serving as a model at the L.S. Ayers Tearoom and being a member of its Fashion Board representing North Central
“I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT”
Carole and Gary’s relationship began at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio as freshmen. Though they didn’t know each other yet, the two Hoosiers knew basketball. At a Miami Basketball game one evening, Carole was seated behind Gary in the Miami bleachers. Carole commented to her seatmate that they didn’t know how to play basketball in Ohio, unlike Indiana where she was from. Over-hearing that comment, Gary turned around, looked at Carole, and agreed identifying himself as a Hoosier. Gary soon forgot the game, but he remembered the girl. A few nights later at dinner in the dormitory dining room Gary spied Carole entering and asked a tablemate about her. Learning his friend knew her, Gary sought an introduction via a blind date. The blind date was arranged. A few hours before the date, Gary’s fraternity held a social mixer with a sorority. Coincidentally, Carole was a member of the sorority. The pair began to chat and to know each other at the social gathering. But as the social ended, Carole excused herself from Gary saying she had a blind date. He said he did too, so he walked her back to her dorm. Not identifying himself as her soon to be blind date, Gary showed up later to Carole’s happy surprise at her door, as her “blind” date.
As true as they were to each other, marrying a few years later in 1973, both Carole and Gary remained loyal to Miami University, becoming increasingly active over the last 20 years.
At Miami Carole received her BA degree having studied chemistry / zoology, graduating in 1973. She earned her M.A.T in Biology from Indiana University in 1976 with a 4.0 grade point average.
Her teaching career began in Cincinnati at Wyoming Middle school. After a year in Cincinnati she moved with her husband to Columbus, IN, where she taught at Southside (then) Junior High. Her next teaching appointment was to the faculty of Columbus North High School (biology, physiology), and then on to Columbus East High School in 1984. At East, Carole excelled in teaching her beloved students chemistry, biology, and medical biology. Concurrently with her East work, she taught elementary science methods at IUPU-C for 10 years.
Carole was an acclaimed teacher, and her renown reached national proportions. Although her humility kept her from speaking about it, she found herself serving on national forums and panels at respected academic centers across the country. A person of balance, when the demands compromised motherhood, she chose to focus more on her young family.
Her awards included:
National Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science, TANDY National Teaching Award, College Board National Entrance Exam Science Advisory Board, National Science Teachers Association Secondary Advisory Council, president of the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, and co-author of the World of Chemistry Video Series.
Her memberships were all active and proactive ones, and included:
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Delta Delta Delta Sorority, P.E.O. DN chapter, founding sister, and member.
“SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME’
Teaching was who Carole was, and she performed her passion diligently and cheerfully. Faith and family were always present in her life. She always felt God’s presence and assurance. She deeply loved and treasured her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Carole was keenly self-aware of her early on-set of Alzheimer’s at age 54. Forever the teacher, Carole courageously chose to live her diagnosis publicly, not in denial or shame. She spoke openly about her developing personal limitations. She said, “Continue to do what you can do, for as long as you can do it. But always do so with grace and dignity.” She never lost her positive disposition. Her story of journeying with Alzheimer’s Disease inspired many. Carole modeled “Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed by having Alzheimer’s Disease, just continue to be you.” That story, and the memory of her live on.
In this time of COVID, as an alternative to in-person visitation and a celebration of life service open to the public, please reach out and demonstrate “LOVE and HONOR” to a deserving person, remembering Carole as you do your act of kindness. Make it simple, sincere, and meaningful. The family invites you to please share your Love and Honor experience via the Barkes, Weaver, Glick funeral home website at www.barkesweaverglick.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Carole’s name through the funeral home to either the Miami University, Carole Fiedler Goshorn Memorial Fund;
St. Peter’s Lutheran School for the Hope Squad; or Just Friends Adult Day Service at Mill Race Center.
A private celebration of life service will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Mark Teike officiating. We do ask that visitors follow the social distancing guidelines once inside the church and masks are required. The service may be viewed at https://boxcast.tv/view/memorial-service-for-carol-goshorn-557447 or search St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Columbus Indiana YOUTUBE channel after 1:00p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.
Carole leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Gary of 48 years; Son Grant (Kara) and grandchildren Elliott and Evaline of Indianapolis; and Son Gregg (Lindsey) and grandchildren Remy, Baylor and Gentry of Brownstown; Sister-in-Law Marianne Goshorn of Columbus.
The Goshorn family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support over their long journey.
Services have been entrusted to Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.
“IN HEAVEN, WE SHALL DANCE FOREVER”
