Carol Juanita Tisch

Longtime Palmer resident Carol Juanita Tisch, 84, passed away March 18, 2014, in Boise, Idaho, surrounded by her family.

A celebration of life is from 10 to 11 a.m., April 12 at the LDS church in Palmer, with a potluck reception to follow.

Carol was born Sept. 30, 1929, in Tacoma, Wash., to William and Jessie Wold.

At a young age she started piano lessons and blossomed into a child prodigy. In her early 20s she could fill a concert hall, all attending to hear her recite the classical music she loved, from memory. She left a legacy of hundreds of piano students, some achieving the highest ranks, attending the Juilliard School of Music. She developed lifelong family ties with many of her students and their families. She believed that her contribution to society was sharing the gift of music. Carol was raised in Tacoma, Wash., and later moved to Hoods Canal. She has many fond memories of her time spent there. In 1964 she moved to Whittier.

Eventually, she moved to Anchorage and later settled in Palmer. Being an Alaska Sourdough, she loved the traditional Alaska lifestyle and all that it entailed — boating, fishing, hiking and camping. She especially enjoyed seeing Pioneer Peak out her window every morning. Her family meant the world to her and she will be greatly missed.

Preceding her in death was her daughter, Jill Belka of Palmer; and her grandson, Dustin Duman of Idaho.

Survived by her four children, Gordan Shepro and wife Joan of Washington, John Tisch and wife Valery of Palmer, Gail Duman and husband Lonnie of Idaho and Jim Tisch and wife Kim of Washington; and her son-in-law, Terry Belka and wife Teri of Palmer; 18 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was devoted to her family, her faith and her community.

Carol was laid to rest March 22 in Boise, Idaho.

We ask all not to mourn her, but to please join us in celebrating her life.