Carol Joan Bradshaw

Carol Joan Bradshaw of Akron, OH, became our guardian angel on March 20, 2026.

Carol was born in July of 1965, in Akron as the seventh child & youngest daughter of Frank & Jean Dort. Growing up the child of a Firestone Rubber machinist & US Navy veteran of World War II & registered nurse, Carol enjoyed her family & vacations to places, working at Strickland's, & waving at the celebrities who would pass her family home during the Akron Soap Box Derby parade. She graduated from St. Matthew Parish School & Ellet High School before working her way through college as a teller at First National Bank of Akron Ellet Branch. As a diehard Zippy fan, she graduated with a business degree from The University of Akron. After college, Carol started her career at FirstMerit & recently celebrated her 42nd anniversary at Huntington National Bank, having various roles as a teller, branch manager, trainer, & project leader for digital content being appointed Vice President.

Carol met the love of her life, Dan Bradshaw, in 1989 at her sister's wedding, & married him in 1994 after sufficient wooing to win her heart. Before starting their family, Carol & Dan enjoyed their time by prioritizing family & friends and traveling to be with them wherever they could. Making memories with those she loved was her greatest joy.

Coming from big families, Carol & Dan were excited to start a family of their own welcoming Katie, Shelley & Frank as their world. As a family of 5, they enjoyed traveling to see family & friends plus all 50 states, including several international locations along with water sports & skiing on the Portage Lakes, hanging out at Howie's/Dano's & cheering on the Akron Zips.

Everyone who knew Carol knew how much she loved a good walk, and in her younger days a good run - running as part of multiple Akron Marathon Relay teams. Rain or shine, Carol could be found walking around the Portage Lakes State Park or with her friends on various paths & parks in the area. Carol was always volunteering for various causes around Akron & was an active member of St. Francis de Sales Parish.

Carol will always be remembered for her ability to make anyone her friend, light up any room with her radiant smile & her infectious laugh. We'll always imagine hearing her say "Get up, get moving, you'll feel better" one more time. Those who knew Carol will smile when thinking of her unparalleled kindness, humble demeanor & genuine spirit. We couldn't have asked for a better Mom & wife and will miss her every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. She was a shining example of God's love for all who had the privilege of knowing her; her journey on this earth was marked by strength, compassion & unwavering faith in God.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Frank & Jean Dort; sister Diane; sister-in-law Melynda Dort; and Aunt Shelly Negray.

Carol is survived by her husband of 32 years Dan; her 3 children Katie (Sam Ruscak), Shelley, & Frank; and her siblings Linda Dort, Dave (Patty) Dort, Paul (Chris) Dort, Denise (Dave) Thomas, Mary (Jeff) Stimler, & Steve (Missy) Dort. She leaves behind cherished extended family, and many dear friends.

Let us remember her life not for the way it ended, but for the way it was lived - and for the profound impact she had on the lives of those who knew her.

The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to all the doctors & nurses at Summa for their compassionate care.

Friends and family are invited to visitation at Anthony Funeral Home, March 26, 2026, from 4-7 PM, at 1990 S. Main St., Akron, OH. A Catholic mass & Celebration of Eternal Life will be held at St. Francis de Sales Parish on March 27, 2026, at 11 AM, at 4019 Manchester Road, Akron, OH. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to Catholic Charities and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org).