There's a new day; the sun has risen, the birds are singing, and there's crispness in the air. There's something else in the air, from the kitchen, the aroma of fresh brownies, cookies, cake fills the house. Is it Troy, Troy Jr, or Nicholas' birthday, a holiday, just a Tuesday? Whatever excuse she needed, Carol has once again taken the time to bake and create something with her own hands to express her love. "Love Without End, Amen." Friday, March 17, 1961, the Mile High City, Carol Ann Martinez is born, a child so beautiful that Eugenio and Lucille couldn't resist giving the baby her mother's middle name of Carol. Born into an already big family, they were in suspense of whether another son would join Gene, Joe, Robert, and Raymond or if the first Martinez daughter would be born. Whether a boy or girl, the family prayed for a healthy child. "Love Without End, Amen."

And at last, Carol she was there. Growing up one of eight children, Carol was always surrounded by an abundance of love. Shortly after making her grand appearance, the family grew with two more children, Kathy and Fernando, before finally becoming complete with Laura a few years later. "Love Without End, Amen."

Carol was educated at Aurora Public Schools, attending Aurora Central and William Smith High School,

where she graduated from. In high school, Carol met her soulmate, Troy Daryl Lasley Sr. They had a class together and were grouped with one other student for a project. The assignment was to take a magic marker and outline Troy. When Carol had to outline Troy's legs, he made a smart-ass remark that Carol thought was funny, something about Carol being inside his legs. From that point on, they were inseparable, making a life together for forty-one years, married for thirty-seven of those. "Love Without End, Amen." A year after they were married, Carol and Troy started a family of their own, first with their son Troy Jr, and five years later, added a second blessing with Nick. "Love Without End, Amen." Giving birth to Troy and Nick was indeed Carol's most cherished accomplishment. "Love Without End, Amen" Always up for a new adventure, the family enjoyed many vacations together when the boys were little, touring Yellowstone, Four Corners, Sea World, and Disneyland, to name a few of their journeys.

Carol worked with the Social Security Office and Aurora Public Libraries before retiring. Carol's professions allowed her to help provide a home for her family. Their home to this day, a place filled with "Love Without End, Amen." You could find Carol coloring or maybe reading one of her Dean Koontz books on any given day. She always loved listening to Sam Cooke, Whitney Houston, and George Strait. Carol definitely liked a good yard sale. She was a diehard Rockies fan. Carol's favorite holiday was Christmas, and it wasn't hard to tell that if you saw her decorations around the house in December.

Carol and her cousin/sister/best friend Paula constantly contacted, constantly messaging throughout the day. Carol considered her daughter-in-law, Jessica, the daughter she never had. Carol was the foundation of her family, the glue that bonded it. Carol was the epitome of "Love Without End, Amen."

Monday, June 14, 2021, surrounded by her family, Carol crossed that crystal river where undoubtedly many more loved ones were waiting to greet her.

Her parents Eugenio and Lucille, her grandparents. Brothers Joe and Raymond.

One could never LOVE someone as much as they will miss them. The life Carol lived will echo through eternity in the lives of her husband Troy, children Troy, Nick, and Jessica, siblings Gene, Nando, and Laura, and a host of nieces and nephews. Carol will be remembered for her kindness and generosity with+ "Love Without End, Amen."