Carol Gazzola was my sister and the day of the school fire was the saddest day in my life. I was 14 years older than Carol, and she was my little girl. My father died 3 years before she did, so it was my mother who had to face this terrible tragery. My sister didn't want to go to school that day, but my mother said if your not sick you will have to go. And my mom had to live with that. But I believe all those children were choosen from God and they are all angels. She was a good girl and we loved her so very much. It still hurts just like the day it happened. I believe all the children are looking down on us and praying for us. My mom has died also, so now they are a family again in heaven. Some day I will be with them, this I believe. I am a child of God.
-- (Dolores Labuda, Sister)
I remember the Saturday before Carol died, she took the bus from the North Side and came to see me on the South Side. She played with my two girls for awhile. Then she said "I have to go see mom." I wanted her to wait and we would take her home when my husband came home. But she had to go, and that was the last time I saw her. we couldn't find her for 47 hours. Those were the worst hours of my life. Even though it has been over 45 years, it seemed it just happened. I remember everything that happen that day. I love her with all my heart. She is my little angel. Love, sister Dolores.
-- (Dolores Labuda, Sister)
Carol Ann was a dear friend. She lived down the block and across the street from us on Christiana off of Chicago Avenue. I knew Carol from the time she was seven years old. I was nine when I moved into the neighborhood. She was such a sweet girl, sometimes shy, and always ready to smile and laugh. We children were horrified at Carol's death. My friends, Marie Di Cola, Annette Greco, and me, Loretta Adornetto, never got over the loss.This summer my nephew came in from Edmonton Alberta Canada. Carol babysat with him sometimes when I couldn't. He wanted to visit her grave and we went to Queen of Heaven Cemetery and paid a visit. We both felt such a heavy sad feeling at the gravesite. I have always prayed for Carol and the other children and nuns who parished. The old neighborhood was never the same after the fire, and we all drifted away and unfortunately apart. As the anniversary draws near again, it brings back all the memories of the fun we had together as friends, and the terrible memories of the fire, and the extreme loss we still feel. I know Carol is with God and that she has a wonderful place because she was a truly wonderful girl.
Rest in peace, my friend.
-- (Loretta L. Alexander, Friend)
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