Carol gained her angel wings on May 8, 2026 in Marquette, MI. Born 1945 in Suffolk, VA to the late A.D. and LaVelle Herrick Siemasko. She is the widow of Harold (Mike) Birnbaum, and is predeceased by her son, William S. Elder III.

She is survived by her son, Johnathan Bruce Elder; sister, Cynthia S. Ferguson (Phil); nephews, Scott Phillips Ferguson (Jan) and Robert Martin Ferguson (Lindsey); and great nieces, Olivia, Lola, and Ginger Ferguson.

Carol graduated from Suffolk High School where she excelled academically. Blessed with a photographic memory she went on to Mary Washington College, Sherman Chiropractic School, and furthered her medical education at the University of Pasadena. A lifelong learner, she also obtained a Master degree in English and creative writing from Northern University of Michigan.

For over 20 years, Carol had her medical healing clinic in Singapore where she received a commendation from the Navy for saving a sailor’s life and an apostolic blessing from Pope John Paul II for saving the life of a catholic priest. Faith mattered deeply to her and she believed healing people was a calling, not a just a profession. She was well known throughout southeast Asia serving on the International Olympic Committee as well as the World Health Organization and many other medical organizations.

While living in Singapore there were so many stories to tell, one being invited by Jacques Cousteau on his research ship, Calypso.

She and Mike traveled the world gathering a multitude of friends along the way. Carol and Mike retired to the Upper Peninsula of Marquette, MI where they both earned their angel wings. Carol truly lived a storied life… she believed.

“I like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways of happy times and laughing days and bright sunny days when my life is done.”

A graveside memorial service will be held Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Keith Emerson officiating. Canale-Tonnella is serving the family in Marquette, MI and Parr Funeral Home in Suffolk, VA. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.