Carole Frances Bonacum

February 24, 1948 - December 26, 2025

Carole was the beloved youngest daughter of Harry & Jane (Finkle) Sepanek. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Anthony Bonacum; sister, Mary Jane Elliott; son Dennis Huff and daughter Tracy (Huff) Hawks; son-in-law Gerald Hawks and grandson Ethan Hawks; nephews Robert Elliott and James Elliott and families. Carol grew up in Seymour, CT. Carole was an amazing mom to her children and a second mom to their friends.

Carole was always up for an adventure; water skiing, hiking in state parks, skiing all over New England, riding a tube behind a boat going too fast, horseback riding, travel, trying to learn how to drive a standard shift car, spending long days living on a boat in the Bahamas, traveling the country at all times of year in an RV and swimming with dolphins.

Carole's great love for animals was evident by loving many dogs and cats, a ferret, a rabbit, a cockatoo named Peaches, and hand raising a baby squirrel, hand feeding deer while camping, and working for veterinarian for over 20 years. Turbo, her beloved dog, remained by her side to comfort her.

Carole’s greatest love was always her high school sweetheart, Tony, with whom she spent the happiest and most adventurous years of her life. Her quick wit, ready smile, and easy laugh remain in our hearts…

…until we meet again.

Donations in place of flowers to be made to Aussie And Me Animal Rescue, a 501c3 non profit charity, that was close to Carole's heart. Her 3 wonderful companion dogs were all adopted through Aussie And Me.

Celebration of Life for Carole

January 22, 2026 @ 6PM

Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291, 4529 Harden Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33813