Carol Ann Banaszak

Lifelong resident of Wilkins Township, age 81, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. 

Born the daughter of the late Vincent Nardozi, Sr. and the late Rosemary Fusilli.  Special niece of Rose Mazzocchetti

Beloved wife of 58 years to Al Banaszak. 

Loving mother of Lynn (Robert Magill) Banaszak, Lori McDowell, Leigh Ann (Aaron) Lucas and the late Michael Banaszak. 

Proud Grandmother of Christian McDowell, Isabella Lucas, and McKinley Lucas.  

Preceded in death by her angel in the Heavens above, her granddaughter, Caileigh McDowell. 

Sister of Vincent Nardozi, Jr. and Rosalia “DeeDee” Olive.  Dear sister-in-law of Denise Nardozi.  Former mother-in-law of Christopher McDowell. 

Also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom she loved fiercely, and her dog, Crosbi, who was her constant companion.

Carol was a 1962 graduate of Trafford High School, where she made lifelong friends and enthusiastically served as head majorette. She was employed with the Woodland Hills School District for 30 years before retiring.  Carol proved to be a pioneer of the newly formed district, having contributed to the writing of the school fight song, becoming the first President of the Football Boosters, and countless other ways that carry on today. While at Woody High, she also worked in the High School Library, where she was a friendly, constant support to every student in the school. She also loved her role as the Head Cheerleading Coach for nearly 20 years. Carol was known for her kindness and selfless commitment to not just those close to her, but to anyone that needed her love and care. She was always wearing just enough “glitz” to light up a room and never turned down a game of bingo. Carol will be loved and missed by not just her family and friends, but also thousands of her students that she cared for over her years of service and commitment to them. She was a guiding light to all who met her. She shared her wisdom and life experience freely and always had the right answer, the best advice, and made everyone feel loved. 

Friends are welcome on Sunday from 1-3 & 5-7 p.m. at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 1111 Monroeville Ave., Turtle Creek, PA 15145, (412) 823-9350.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, 10 a.m. at St. Maurice Church (St. Joseph the Worker Parish).

Memorial contributions may be made to The Caileigh Lynn McDowell Foundation, https://www.caileighsfightsong.com/support-us.