Carolyn Dee Kolenda

Carolyn (Carol) Dee McSherdon Kolenda, beloved wife, mother, devoted follower of Christ, and public servant, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024, at the age of 49. Carol’s life was a testament to dedication, service, and unwavering faith. 

Born in Tampa, Florida, Carol’s journey was marked by a profound commitment to her family, community, and faith. She was a loving and devoted wife to James Kolenda and a nurturing mother to her three cherished children, Rachel, James, and Elizabeth. Her family was her greatest joy, and she instilled in them the values of compassion, resilience, and faith in her Lord Jesus Christ. Carol’s love and guidance will continue to be a source of strength for them.

Carol’s faith was the pillar of her life. An active member of her church, she devoted countless hours to ministry and used her gift of singing to touch the hearts of many. Carol led many people to Christ through her dedication and faith in Jesus. Her deep and abiding faith was evident in everything she did, inspiring those around her to live with purpose and love.

She served with distinction for four different members of the Florida House of Representatives, where her dedication and tireless work helped shape policies and advocate for the well-being of all Floridians. Her love and care for her community were relentless, and her colleagues and constituents admired her integrity, compassion, and relentless pursuit of justice.

Carol Kolenda’s legacy is one of service, faith, and love. She leaves behind a community and family that will forever remember her as a beacon of light, hope, and genuine friendship to all she met. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Carol was a friend to everyone she met, and many would call her their best friend.

Carol was preceded in death by her sister, Michelle Raia, and her brother, Carson McSherdon. She is survived by her dear husband, James Kolenda, her children, Rachel, James, and Elizabeth Kolenda, her parents, Carson and Juanita McSherdon, and her nieces and nephews, Blake, Brooke, Hannah, and Tristan.

A memorial service will be held on August 17th, 2024  at Calvary Assembly of God, 3279 Sherwood Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33980. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Carol’s Memorial fund https://gofund.me/8ad3a34d

Carol would love to be remembered for her lifelong commitment to serving Jesus and helping others.

May she rest in peace, and her memory be eternal.