Memorial
Carol Malcolm, 88, of Cedar Rapids, died October 16, 2018. She was born March 2, 1930 in Denison, Minnesota, to Emil and Eva Rosvold.
Besides teaching and owning her own business, The Second Act, Carol was remarkably determined and resilient, including supporting herself from a very young age. Being the 9th of 10 children, it is astounding that after losing both parents before the age of seven, Carol decided, at the age of 12, to hitchhike to Wabash, IN in hopes of finding a long-lost sister. Once settled there, Carol lied about her age and contributed to the war effort by polishing gasmasks for our troops. This is just the beginning of her life long adventures. Following the death of her first husband, Carol, single-handedly, raised her four children. She graciously encouraged her children to pursue their life passions. Her generosity was clear particularly to the young people she brought to The Second Act, mentoring them on job skills as well as giving them an opportunity to succeed.
Several years later, Carol met Charlie and he became the love of her life. Carol and Charlie were a couple no one could forget. Whether they were hiking up a hill to join a local wedding or dancing the night away at the Lighthouse or spending time at the ID or Winifred’s or enjoying an Alaskan cruise…they were living life to the fullest. They visited places far and near, made friends no matter where they were, and always brought joy to anyone within an earshot. They continued to work well into their 70’s; only a broken hip and the Flood of 2008 could convince Carol that it was time, after 40 years, to close “The Second Act” in Cedar Rapids.
Carol and Charlie had a mutual appreciation of classical music. They were particularly invested in a classical pianist named Gustavo Romero. They were very active in the Cedar Rapids symphony. Carol was particularly proud that her love of music has been an inspiration to not only her children but her grandchildren as well. It is no accident that her name, Carol, means song and there is nothing she loved more than listening to fine music.
Carol is survived by her husband Charlie; children and step-children, Scott (Mary), Melissa (Kent), Judd (Kendra), Rod (Tracey), Kelle (Dan), Torre, Kip (Barb) and Cam; 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Holly (Joyce) and her sister Lorraine.
A visitation will be held on Thursday October 25, from 11:00-1:00 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Carol’s honor to Orchestra Iowa.