Obituary of Carole W. Sellstrom

Carole Wilson Sellstrom, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother during her wonderful 89 years of life, passed away on February 19, 2024 surrounded by the love of her family. Carole was born on January 25, 1935 in Muskegon, Michigan to the late Roscoe W. and Helen Bauer. Carole attended St. Mary's Hall in New Jersey and went on to earn her Liberal Arts degree from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. Carole was pursuing a nursing degree at the University of Michigan when she met the late John L. Sellstrom on a blind date in the spring of 1955. Carole and John were married on August 9, 1958 in Traverse City, Michigan and celebrated 65 years of marriage in August 2023. Carole and John were blessed with four children: John (Cindy) Sellstrom, Kristen (David) Streeper, Karin (Doug) McFetters, and Stephen (Chrissy) Sellstrom, 10 grandchildren: Kristofor (Simone) Sellstrom, Philip (Kiersten) Sellstrom, Sarah Streeper, Jake (Bethany) Sellstrom, Emily Streeper, Sophie Sellstrom, Matthew McFetters, Michael McFetters, Genevieve Sellstrom, and JT Sellstrom as well as three great grandchildren: River Sellstrom, Loch Sellstrom, and Rho Sellstrom. Carole is also survived by her sister Barbara Wallace, as well as nieces Jennifer and Susan and nephew George. The family would like to thank Carole's caregiver and friend, Linda Schwerk, for her dedicated service and gracious support. Carole and John moved to Jamestown, NY in 1962 and built a life filled with family, community service, and travel. While caring for four active children, Carole still found time to volunteer with several local organizations and social clubs. Carole's community service was primarily focused on the betterment of women, children, and health services in Chautauqua County. During her years of service, Carole served as president of both Crèche and the Norden Women's Club. Carole also served as finance chairwoman for the Warner Home. Carole was on the Board of Directors for WCA and the WCA Foundation for 24 years. In this role, she collaborated with the Johnson Foundation to help bring the Star Flight Program to Jamestown. She was also a board member for the Prendergast Library and the Carnahan-Jackson Foundation. Carole was the Executive Director for the Johnson Foundation until her retirement in 2016. One of her greatest joys was getting to know the people and organizations that benefited from the grants they received. In 2019, Carole, along with her husband John, was awarded with the John Hamilton Community Service Award for their lifetime of service and commitment to improving the Jamestown community and greater Chautauqua County area. Throughout their life together, Carole and John traveled extensively throughout the world. Carole especially delighted in traveling to Hawaii and Kiawah Island again and again. Carole enjoyed spending quality time with John and her extended family at their Ashville farm, especially summers spent by the pool and in her gardens. Carole will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the community. The ideals Carole exemplified and instilled in those who knew her will be forever remembered. Her legacy will continue to grow through the lives she helped shape. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service honoring Carole on Saturday, March 23, 2024 beginning at 10:30 am at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 410 N. Main Street, Jamestown, New York. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: John L. and Carole W. Sellstrom Family Charitable Fund at Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 or the SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603.