Carol Ruth (Durst) Field

Carol Ruth Field 81, a lifelong resident of North East PA, ascended the Stairway to Heaven on September 5, 2023.

Born in Erie PA January 3, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Doris(Spear) Durst.

Carol spent her formative years picking cherries and tying grapes on the family farm in North East PA. She graduated from NEHS Class of 1959 where she was a member of the Chorus and enjoyed being a Cadet.

Carol had a very successful career at PNC’s downtown Erie Branch, which she retired from in 2005. She also worked for a time at CVS, but most recently at the McCord Memorial Library in North East, which was near and dear to her heart.

Carol had an infectious smile and an angelic voice. She could play the piano by ear and was a member of the North East Choral club for many years. She was also a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where she sought spiritual comfort during the tougher times in her life.

Carol had a magnetic personality and could charm anyone who had the privilege to know her. Although a private person, she was fiercely devoted to her family and friends.

Carol married Norman Field on March 4, 1961, and they divorced in 1986. To everyone’s surprise and delight, they reunited in 2015. Their love made them inseparable until Norm’s passing in 2020.

Besides her parents and Norm, Carol was also preceded in death by her beloved son Jeffery Dale Field, with whom she will rest eternally.

Surviving Carol are her children Norman Scott Field (Barb) of Erie and Cathy Shader (Henry) of Cambridge Springs, brothers Dale Durst (Brenda) of Charlotte NC and David Durst (Pam) of Erie. Also surviving are her five grandchildren Leah Berta (Joe), Justin Shader (Alyssa), Alaina Perry (Kevin), Jeff Field, and Cat Shader. Finally, Carol leaves behind her cherished great grand babies Sophie and Raphael Berta and Everett and Tillian Field.

A special thank you to all of the staff at LECOM Senior Living Center, especially Emily, Tina, Pat, Cathy, and many more whose names I cannot recall. And another very special thank you to her Hospice nurses - Laura, Sandy and Alyssa. Together you made Carol’s last year as warm and comfortable as can be.

Friends will be received at the W. Tad Bowers Funeral Home, 92 S. Lake St., North East, PA on Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 2 to 5 P.M. and are invited to attend funeral services there on Friday at 11 A.M.  Pastor William Ringer will officiate.  Interment will be in    North East Cemetery. 

Donations may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 30 Clinton St., North East, PA, 16428.  To send condolences, please visit www.bowersfuneralhome.com.

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