Obituary of Carol N. Fishburn

Carol Nathalia Bolt Fishburn, 94, of State College, Pennsylvania, passed away Monday, March 28, 2016, at The Atrium at The Village at Penn State. Daughter of the late Edward Franklin Bolt and Hazel May Seymour Bolt, Carol was born on December 6, 1921, in Mainesburg, Pennsylvania, a rural farm community near the college town of Mansfield. She attended a one room school house through 8th grade and graduated from Troy High School in 1938. In 1942 she graduated from Mansfield University (then known as Mansfield State Teachers College), with a B.S Degree in Home Economics. She taught Home Economics at Montoursville High School from 1942-1945, where she met the love of her life, John Franklin Fishburn. They were married in 1945 in San Diego, California, where John was serving in the Navy. In 1946 she moved with John to his hometown of State College, where she did graduate studies in Nutrition at Penn State. She lived in State College the rest of her life. She was an avid life-long Penn State Football fan, an active member of Grace Lutheran Church and Ester Circle, Member of University Faculty Women's Club, Antique Study Group, Blue Course Ladies Golf League, Couples and Women's Bowling League, Girl Scout Leader, and Red Cross Volunteer for many decades. Often called "Saint Carol" by her family, Carol was gentle, kind, and adored by all who knew her. She enjoyed golfing and playing bridge with her friends, and loved gardening and flowers; but her real joy was time spent with family and dear friends, her greatest treasures. Carol was preceded in death by her husband, John; her brother, Clayton Thomas Bolt, and grandson, Adam John Cocolin. Carol is survived by her two daughters, Barbara Whisler and her husband, Benjamin, of Camano Island, Washington; Linda Cocolin and her husband, William, of State College; five grandchildren, Scott Cocolin and his wife, Ellen; Kristin Whisler Blake and her husband, Cody; Benjamin J. Whisler and his wife, Aubrey; Paul Cocolin and his wife, Sara; and Jennifer Whisler Dagley and her husband, Sam; twelve great grandchildren; and two sisters, Chrystal Clements and Beverly Mitchell. A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Carol's family would like to express special thanks to the doctors, nurses, assistants and staff of The Village at Penn State who were outstanding in caring, kindness and support during her residency there. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church Adam J. Cocolin Memorial Pre/K Scholarship Fund, in care of Grace Lutheran Church, 205 South Garner Street, State College, PA 16801. Please include "In Memory of Carol N. Fishburn" on the memo line. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.