Carol Eileen Holbrook (Shiplett)

Carol Eileen Holbrook (Shiplett), of Akron Ohio, passed away on September 16, 2022 at home, after a long battle with Parkinson’s and dementia.

Born August 31, 1944 in Akron Ohio to Homer J. and Mary Catherine (Stalter) Shiplett, she was the youngest of 13 siblings.

Eileen grew up in Akron, and spent her school days at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Akron.  Following graduation from St. Mary’s High School, Eileen began working at Ohio Bell, where she made a life-long career, advancing through many departments until becoming a company trained central office electrician/technician, a.k.a. the person who knows how to do everything. She retired from Ohio Bell in 2015 with 52 years of service (the second highest years of service in company history).

Family was among the greatest of Eileen’s loves.  Many precious memories were made at family Sunday dinners, picnics and holidays, and in heated poker games with her sisters. She cared for her mother and father in their older years until they passed away. By far her greatest family love was her daughter Valerie, her best friend, partner in crime and travel, and constant companion and caretaker in Eileen’s last days.

She loved being outdoors, and especially on a beach. She walked many miles on beaches up and down the east coast, walking in the sand, enjoying the sunshine, collecting shells and sand dollars.  If she couldn’t be on a beach, she loved being in her yard, on porch swing, or walking in the country.

Eileen was a die-hard animal lover, and had many beloved dogs in her lifetime. She volunteered at the Summit County Humane Society (Pawsabilities) for many years, along with her sister Betty, where they cleaned kennels and walked dogs.

Eileen enjoyed life to the fullest, she loved anything and everything (except dusting). So many memories will live on – her love of casinos, music, the Cleveland Browns & Indians, traveling, Disney World, festivals and baseball games; her dangling earring collection; her offbeat and witty humor; and that rowdy laugh. Her tough survivor exterior protected a huge heart that felt emotions so deeply. 

Eileen is preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Catherine, by nine of her siblings (Harold, Bob, Tyke, Tom, Leo, Marty and Jim Shiplett; Mary Avelino; Rita Marcum; and Betty Large).  She is also preceded in death by the love of her life, Dan Garbinsky.  She leaves behind her beloved daughter Valerie Holbrook, sister Dorothy Smith of Florida, brother Pete Shiplett of Akron, and countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

A gathering of family and friends to remember Eileen’s life will take place Friday, September 30^th, from 4pm-8pm at the Blessed Trinity Parish hall, 300 E. Tallmadge Avenue, Akron OH 44310.

In memory of Eileen’s love of her canine companions, donations are encouraged in lieu of flowers to the Lake Erie Labrador Retriever Rescue or any animal rescue of your choice.