Carol Gaylord

Carol Ann Gaylord, 73, of Tunkhannock, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026, surrounded by her family. Carol was a 1970 graduate of Tunkhannock Area High School where she was involved in cheerleading, Future Teachers of America, Dramatics, and voted by her peers to the Prom Court. She was appropriately named "Best Dressed" her senior year, a distinction that stayed with her throughout her life, as she carried herself with elegance, grace, and true class in everything she did. She later pursued a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at Wilkes University.

Carol was a true warrior whose strength, grace, and determination inspired everyone who knew her. A 37-year cancer survivor, she faced every challenge with courage and resilience, allowing her family and friends the priceless gift of many more years filled with love, laughter, and beautiful memories.

Carol devoted 34 years of her life to teaching elementary education at Tunkhannock Area School District, touching the lives of countless students and colleagues with her kindness, patience, and dedication. Beyond her career, she found her greatest joy in spending time with people she loved most. She cherished traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and especially watching her granddaughters pursue the activities they loved. Nothing brought her greater happiness than being surrounded by those she held close to her heart. Additionally, she was a long time member of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church.

Carol leaves behind her beloved husband of 50 years, Bill Gaylord, her children, Marcy (Bob) Brown and Michael Gaylord both of Tunkhannock, granddaughters, Hallie and Katy Brown, who were the light of her life, her sisters, Joan Nardone of Pittston, Diane Groves (Rick) of Myerstown, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Sophie Kukuchka and Jake Pechalonis sister, Lorraine Rodeghiero, and brothers in law, Henry Rodeghiero and Joseph Nardone.

Carol left behind a community of family and friends. A true village of love and support that we, as her family, are grateful to be a part of. Her legacy of perseverance, compassion, and unwavering love will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered always.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at General Hospital, Allied Hospice Center, caregivers, Abigail and JoEllen, and Medical Oncology Associates including Dr Saidman, the amazing nurses and staff who have cared for my mother for almost 30 years.

Family and friends are invited to attend Carol's Mass of Christian Burial which will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM from Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 99 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657 to be celebrated by Rev. Patrick Albert and Deacon Ray Pieretti. Friends are asked to go directly to the church on Wednesday.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM from the Marcho, Sheldon, and Kukuchka Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 73 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wyoming County Cancer Society, PO Box 629, Tunkhannock, PA 18657 or Medical Oncology Associates Prescription Assistance Fund, 382 Pierce Street Kingston, PA 18704.