Carol Woytek Sullivan

September 04, 2024

Carol Woytek Sullivan passed away peacefully on August 15, 2024. Carol was preceded in death by her parents Rudolph and Margaret Woytek; and husband William in 2001. She is survived by brothers Kenneth (Pat) and David (Gail); cherished nephew Michael (Erin Gardner) and niece Lynne; and dearly loved great nephew and niece Maxwell and Violet Woytek. Also survived by her best friend Phyllis Staziowski (Gene deceased) and their daughters, Lynn (J.M.) Caloyeras and children, and Lisa (Aaron) Petritz and children. 

Born on August 31, 1942 in Johnson City, New York, the family moved to northern NY in 1949. Carol helped with the family’s resort business on Black Lake in the summer and lived in Potsdam in the winter. She attended the Crane School of Music earning her bachelor’s degree in music, then received a master’s degree from the University of Buffalo in 1966. 

Carol taught elementary music in Buffalo for 20 years. She met Bill there and they married in 1975. Then in 1977, Bill’s job took them to Dallas, Texas. Carol and Bill were avid golfers and belonged to several golf clubs. Carol was elected to the board of one of the clubs despite her being a “Yankee”. Carol shot an astonishing 4 ‘holes in one’ during her golfing years. The sport took Carol and Bill to Scotland and other famed golf courses throughout the US. 

Carol taught elementary music in the Irving independent School District for over 30 years and was beloved by her students, and admired by her colleagues. Carol was awarded Teacher of the Year for the District, and, also awarded Teacher of the Year twice at Lively Elementary School. Her passion and love for music was also shown by being an integral member of the Irving Chorale for over 25 years, performing many times in Europe as well as locally with the group. 

She was also a valued member of the Woodhaven Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir. Carol had a talent for composing songs and lyrics. She was often asked to write songs and sing them for friends' birthdays and many other special occasions. 

Carol will be remembered for her vivacious and bubbly personality, her wonderful and infectious smile, and will be dearly missed by her many good friends, former students and her family. 

Her family wishes to thank Atria in Grapevine, and The Lodge at Bear Creek for treating her with such care and compassion. 

Memorials are requested to: The Irving Chorale (www.irvingchorale.com), Woodhaven Presbyterian church (www.woodhavenpres.org)or the Scholarship Fund at Irving Schools Foundation (www.irvingschoolsfoundation.org).