Carol W. Ayer

Carol Ayer, a bright note in our universe, found rest in silence on February 29, 2024, in Hartland, Wisconsin. She was 93.

Born Carol Janice Wells in South Central Wisconsin, she prized and practiced harmony, learning, and community service throughout her life. An accomplished singer and graduate of Beloit College–where she first met Peter F. Ayer, whom she married in 1953–Carol worked as an elementary school teacher, choral director, accompanist, and librarian, yet still found time to volunteer at her local polling place during election season.

Carol often hosted dinners for visiting performers during Peter's University of Wisconsin career and was renowned for her magnificent cheese soufflés. A prolific and gifted quilter, she donated her work to local hospices and women's shelters in Florida and Wisconsin for as long as she was able. She spent her last few days quietly, attended by family, as she had always requested.

Carol's extended musical family includes members of the West Bend Moraine Chorus (WI), Ayer Ensemble singers (WI), and Spring Hill Chorus (FL), among many others. Surviving family are sons David (Rebecca), Chris, and Curtis (De Anna); and grandchildren Phillip (Renée), Caitlin, Dylan, and Sarah. While we will always miss her beautiful voice, the song we sang together continues. In keeping with Carol’s final direction, “No visitation or ceremony–have a party,” her family will announce a celebration of her life to be held in Wisconsin during the warm summer months she so loved.

In lieu of cards and flowers, donations to the Phi Beta Kappa Society in her memory are encouraged. Checks to “Beloit Chapter Phi Beta Kappa” may be mailed to:

Beloit College

Attn: Pamela Prescott

Advancement Office 700 College St

Beloit, WI 53511