Carla Vocke

With lots of humor, unwavering grit, and deep love for family, Carla Vocke lived each moment to the fullest. She greeted each day with gratitude and never let hardship or illness slow her generous spirit. A devoted mother, loyal friend, and natural leader, Carla poured herself into caring for others with faith, strength, fast thinking, and quick wit. Whether generously sharing her time and talents with others, cooking a delicious meal, or sharing her infectious laugh and fun-loving spirit, above all, she lived by one simple truth: do the right thing.

Carla was born on December 5th, 1960, in Ohio to Carlo and Josephine Girolamo. The third of four kids, Carla enjoyed the good company of her older siblings, Joe and Gina, and her younger brother Mike. Her father worked for Chrysler Corporation as a millwright, and her mother worked as a bookkeeper. She was raised with strong Italian family values and traditions, which rang true especially on Thanksgiving, where dinner was often followed up by a ‘just in case’ Lasagna. Carla enjoyed a simple childhood filled with playing tag and swimming in the backyard pool in Maple Heights, Ohio. She also enjoyed skating and swimming at the local community center. She looked forward to family camping trips in beautiful places like the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Hole, and Mammoth Cave. Weekends were often spent tent camping at Round Lake, where the family enjoyed the unique tradition of having spaghetti for supper.

Always up for a good time, Carla was funny and often laughing, but she could also stay focused and was very organized. As a student at Maple Heights High School, Carla proudly graduated with the class of 1979.

After attending community college, Carla moved to the bright lights and good times in Las Vegas, where she continued her education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the best school for hospitality management. It was at UNLV where Carla met her best friend, Suzanne, whom she always referred to as her “sista friend”. Carla worked in the money room at the Sahara Hotel & Casino, where she somehow managed to work a late-night shift after being the life of the party. Carla’s coworkers lived vicariously through her as they listened to her stories from just hours before.

After finishing her degree, Carla moved to St. Louis for a short time before moving to Battle Creek, Michigan, and working at McCamley Plaza Hotel, where she met her future husband, Bob. Bob was a regular at the bar and, as soon as he saw Carla, knew he wanted to meet her. He told his waitress he wanted to speak with the manager, then complained to Carla about the beer prices, all in an effort to get her number. It worked.

With their hearts set on building a future together, Carla and Bob married in August 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio. The newlyweds honeymooned in Hawaii, but not before a quick trip to the dentist the night before, thanks to Bob’s over-the-top dance moves at their wedding reception.

Carla was blessed to give birth to her son and only child, Nick, in 1995. A proud and loving mother, Carla would do anything for Nick. She was the bad cop to Bob’s good cop and ran the household with precision. With a brain that worked a million miles a minute, Carla was a great multitasker. Putting her exceptional organizational skills to work, she made Nick home-cooked meals, ensured he could play hockey, and transported him to all of his tournaments in addition to working nearly seven days a week. She managed to do it all and to do it all well. The family enjoyed ski trips to Vermont, big scratch-cooked Christmas day dinners, and supporting Nick’s endeavors.

Carla found joy in her many interests. In her leisure time, Carla enjoyed golfing and even had a hole-in-one before Bob got one. She loved to wander the grocery store aisles at any chance she got. She was a student of nutrition and finance who eagerly shared her knowledge about health and wellness, money, and investment.

After Bob’s passing in 2015, Carla’s tenacity was on full display. She managed to stay focused and strong for Nick as the two of them navigated grief together. Shortly after, she began working in hospitality at Western Michigan University, managing the dining halls. She was a great manager of people who loved hearing their stories, was incredibly understanding, and decisive in her management, especially when holding people accountable.

After visiting Suzanne in St. Augustine over several years, Carla only found it fitting to buy a neighboring home. She spent lots of time there, relishing in beach time, bike rides, and trying new restaurants. Being outside with good food and live music was her happy place.

Carla revelled in traveling to new places and being in good company. She knew a lot was to be said about a person based on the people they kept close, and the company she kept was a tremendous reflection of her. She was so grateful for those who showed up for her in her time of need. Stella and Rocky, her loving cats, were her best companions. Stella was often the welcoming host, always greeting guests at the door. The jury is still out on whether Rocky exists or not; not many people have had the privilege of witnessing his presence.

In 2024, Carla was able to witness and enjoy the wedding of Nick and Kat. She laughed, made memories, and could even be found on the dance floor for a few songs. Even in the middle of a difficult time in her health, she managed to show up and put on that famous smile to relish in the good times with her friends and family.

An Italian to the end, Carla was stubborn, outspoken, and fiercely protective of her family. Though she wasn’t a churchgoer, Carla believed in Jesus as her savior and shared her faith journey with her sister, Gina, brother, Mike, and brother-in-law, Rich.

Carla hoped to leave a legacy focused on the knowledge she shared with others. She would always ask, “What have you learned from me?” Carla enjoyed sharing her wealth of knowledge and encouraging her loved ones’ hopes and dreams. She was deeply grateful for her family and her warrior group of friends who stepped up to help her, and above all, hoped to be remembered as a good person.

Carla Girolamo Vocke, a warrior, died peacefully at Rose Arbor Hospice on January 11, 2026. Members of her family include her son: Nick (Kat) Vocke and soon-to-be granddaughter in May; siblings: Joe (Laura) Girolamo, Gina (Rich) Meyers and Mike (Kim) Girolamo; in-laws: Cris (Kriste) Vocke, Damon (Maria) Vocke and Laura Lee; “sista-friend” Suzanne (Pat) Gavey and lots of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on Saturday, January 31, 2026, 4 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center, where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Celebrate Carla’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to West Michigan Cancer Center or Kzoo Cat Cafe and Rescue.