Carol A. Galvin, 70, of Avoca, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on Sunday, Nov. 13, at home.

Born in Scranton, on Dec. 17, 1945, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Mildred Durkin Donovan. Following her graduation from South Scranton Catholic High School in 1964, Carol worked for several Scranton area businesses including Capitol Records. After marrying her beloved husband, Jim, she invested her time and energy into being a mother and a homemaker - the most rewarding career of her life.

A kind and caring woman with an easy going spirit, Carol found great joy in the simplicities of life. Whether she was enjoying the rabbits, birds and squirrels who frequented her backyard, visiting with neighborhood friends or just relaxing with a good book and a hot cup of tea, Carol had a gift for appreciating the small, but often wondrous aspects of everyday living.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Carol adored her family. Always willing to help her five children and two grandchildren in any way or any time they needed her, Carol leaves behind a beautiful example for them of how to have a happy life: live simply, live honestly and live to love.

Surviving are her husband of 47 years, James A. Galvin, Avoca; her children, James P. Galvin and his wife, Jackie, Avoca; Mary Kay Pivovarnik, Scranton, and son-in-law, Eugene Pivovarnik, Scranton; Joseph Galvin, Avoca; Sean Galvin and his girlfriend, Jamie Johnson, Wilmington, N.C.; Sarah Galvin and her fiancé, Ralph LaSota, Inkerman; granddaughter, Morgan Pivovarnik, Scranton; and grandson, James J. Galvin, Avoca. She is also survived by her siblings, Robert Donovan and his wife, Mary Ann, Scranton; Loretta Blake and her husband, James, Suwanee, Ga.; Dorothy Slaier and her husband, George, Moscow; Regina Donovan, Scranton, and companion, Chet Studenski, Scranton; sister-in-law, Agnes Donovan, Dunmore; brother-in-law, John Galvin, New Cumberland; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Marjorie Donovan; brother, Joseph Donovan; mother and father-in-law, James P. and Alice Galvin; and brother-in-law, Thomas Galvin.

The funeral will be Friday, Nov. 18, at 9:30 a.m. from Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 at Queen of the Apostles Parish at St. Mary's Church, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca, to be celebrated by the Rev. Philip J. Sladicka, pastor. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Avoca.

Friends may call Thursday, Nov. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In honor of Carol's love and devotion to animals, donations may be made in her memory to St. Cats & Dogs, 1900 E. Gibson St., Scranton, PA 18510. Donations may also be made to two organizations that made an everlasting impact on Carol's life: St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams