Carole Ann (Calabria) Ling, 81, of Indiana, passed away peacefully, on Monday, January 1, 2024. She was born in Spangler, PA, to the late Domenic A. and Mary Ann (Handrick) Calabria.
Carole attended the Holy Name School in Ebensburg, graduated from Central Cambria High School, and then attended IUP graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 1964 and her Master’s degree in English in 1972.
Carole lived a full and impactful life, teaching at Marion Center High School for a time. After her teaching career, she tirelessly dedicated her life to improving the lives of older adults in Indiana County retiring in 2005 as the Executive Director of Aging Services, Inc., also referred to as A.S.I. Her life philosophy was “People helping people make a better world for all”. Carole was instrumental in the development of the adult day care program as well as an employment program to help displaced home-makers. During her tenure, she grew the agency from a one room office and staff of four to eight facilities and a staff of over sixty. Carole has served as the president of the PA Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the Western Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the Executive Board of the University of Pittsburgh Gerontology Center, and the Executive Board of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Association Partnerships for Aging. Among her greatest professional accomplishments, she was instrumental in the passage of the PACE legislation, insuring affordable prescription costs for Pennsylvania’s elderly. She belonged to ZONTA, as well as the Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW).
In her free time, Carole enjoyed gardening, traveling, antiquing, and collecting linens and laces. She was so proficient in her linen and lace collectables that she taught classes on the care procedures needed to maintain them. She loved spending time with her husband at their cottage on the Allegheny River.
Carole is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jay R. Ling, whom she married on October 5, 1964, a daughter, several nephews, and many close friends.
In addition to her parents, Carole was preceded in death by her son Daniel in 2016, with whom she longed to be reunited.
Friends will be received on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 6-8 PM at the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home, Indiana. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 9 AM until the time of service at 10 AM with Pastor Jack Lucas officiating. Private burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory and honor of Carole to Four Footed Friends, 220 Beck Road, Indiana, PA 15701.
To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.bowserminich.com.
