Carole Mae (Phillips) Rosenbaum

Carole Rosenbaum passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at UH West Medical Center in Willoughby on January 13, 2026. She was born June 11, 1938 in Painesville.

She is now watching over her children, Sam (Gretchen) Rosenbaum, Dee (Silvio) Leal, and Vicki (Bob) Zerby; grandchildren, Christopher (Liz) Leal, Melissa (Andrew) Bestgen, Jonathan Leal, Melinda (Charlie) Schwarten, Angela (Matt) Ott, Adam Rosenbaum, David (Brittanie) Zerby, and Kathryn Leal; four great-grandchildren, June and Henry Bestgen and Lumen and Lincoln Zerby; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving family and friends.

Carole is now reunited with those preceding her in death, including her parents, Bessie and Floyd Phillips; her husband, Vester (Junior) Rosenbaum; sisters, Phyllis Nelisse and Marie Coleman; and brother, Dutch O’Brien; and granddaughter, Kellie Rosenbaum.

Carole had a full life, living with Vester and raising their children in Willoughby. In addition to raising her family, she worked at MD Pharmacy in downtown Willoughby as a cashier, and volunteered as a girl scout troop leader, becoming a familiar face for her neighbors. As her children started their lives and families, she was highly involved in her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s lives, attending campouts, concerts, performances, competitions, and games to cheer on their successes. Carole was also involved in animal rescue efforts, adopting several kitties that kept her company in her final years; and donating to many children’s, historical, and indigenous organizations. In her later years, Carole enjoyed socializing in the community on her weekly shopping trips, watching home improvement shows and NASCAR races on TV, and hosting her great-grandchildren for dinner and chalk art in the driveway. Carole loved spending time with others, and was truly in her element when surrounded by the noise and love of her friends and family.

Carole’s Celebration of Life will be 4:00 PM- 7:00 PM Friday March 6, 2026 at Davis-Babcock Funeral Home, 4154 Clark Avenue, Willoughby. Private interment will be in Western Reserve Memorial Gardens, Chester Twp.