CAROL ANN AITCHISON (formerly Skutnik) (nee Rice), age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Willard; loving mother of Timothy Skutnik (Doris), James Skutnik and Carol Skutnik (Jennifer); grandma of Christopher Skutnik; daughter of the late Carl and Edith Rice; devoted sister of Joyce Burke (Larry), George Rice (deceased) (Gloria); devoted aunt of Deborah Harrison (Kevin), Deanna Mauer (deceased) (Rick), Arthur Foose III (Lynne), Darlene Mansour (George), James Rice (Kelly), and Adam Burke (Jennifer); great aunt of Vincenzo Verba Mauer (Rosie), Alicia Paolucci (Dominic) and Briana Wuertz (Mikhail); great-great aunt of Sofia Verba Mauer, Giabella Paolucci and Rocco Paolucci.

Carol was a devoted supporter of the men and women who serve in law enforcement and the military. She and her late husband, retired Cleveland Police Lieutenant Willard “Will” Aitchison, were proud members of the Fraternal Order of Police and shared a lifelong commitment to public service.

Carol was deeply involved in her community as Secretary, Grant Coordinator, and Bylaw Committee Coordinator of the Deep Creek Elks Lodge in Florida. In these roles, she wrote and administered grants that directly benefited local residents, and she took joy in ensuring school-aged children had the supplies they needed to succeed.

A faithful member of Pilgrim Church United Church of Christ in Port Charlotte, Florida, Carol’s life was guided by compassion, service, and faith.

Prior to her retirement, Carol worked as a school secretary for Cleveland Public Schools, a role she cherished. She often spoke of how much she loved working with children and supporting their growth. Her passion for childhood literacy remained close to her heart throughout her life.

A Celebration of Carol’s Life will be held at RIPEPI COMMUNITY CENTER, 5784 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 3-6 p.m. with a Service of Remembrance at 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Carol’s memory to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, continuing her lifelong dedication to helping children learn and thrive.