Carol A. Blomquist, 81, of Ironwood, died Friday, Oct. 26, 2012, at Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Community in Ironwood.      The former Carol Anderson was born July 4, 1931, in Ironwood, daughter of the late Carl and Signe (Swanbeck) Anderson, attended Ironwood schools, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1949. She then attended Gogebic Community College, graduating in 1951.      On July 21, 1951, she was united in marriage to John H. Blomquist at Salem Lutheran Church in Ironwood, by the Rev. T.E Johnstone. John preceded her in death on April 6, 2004.      Carol was perhaps best known in the area as a pianist and organist. She studied with Orville Collick and gave solo performance recitals while still in high school. She was a church organist for more than 50 years, primarily at Salem Lutheran Church where she was a member, but also at Wesley United Methodist Church. For years she played for Salem's 9 a.m. radio broadcast, then rushed up the street to play at Wesley at 10:30. She also served as choir director for several years at Salem.      Between 1968 and 2002, Carol was a piano and organ teacher, primarily in her home, but she also drove to students' homes in Bessemer and Wakefield. She only charged $1 extra for travel. She often taught from 2:30 p.m. when school got out until 9 p.m., as well as Saturday mornings. During her busiest years she taught over 50 students each week. Her annual Mother's Day recitals became a local favorite. She played for countless weddings and funerals in the area and knew the quirks of all the area's church organs. She was also an accompanist for the L.L. Wright High School choral department under her friend Eleanor Burla (the Burlas and Blomquists shared the same wedding anniversary and sometimes celebrated together). She often chaperoned trips to state competition in Eau Claire, Wis. and senior choir trips to Minneapolis.      Carol was an avid reader until her later years and instilled a love of reading in all her children. She and her husband John stressed the importance of education and all four children earned college degrees. She also maintained regular correspondence with three Australian families who had hosted her son Peter as a Rotary exchange student in 1974.      In their retirement, Carol and John enjoyed travel. They made many trips to visit their children in lower Michigan, Milwaukee and Madison, Wis., Duluth, Bemidji and Minneapolis, Minn., and even Reno and Carson City, Nev. In 1992, they shared a 25- day trip to Australia with son Peter. In 1997, they visited relatives in Finland along with John's brother Edward. They also spent a few winter vacations in Alabama and Florida. But their greatest joy was in summer trips to their Lake Gogebic cottage, often having grandkids along for extended stays.     John suffered a disabling stroke in 1999, and after three months in the hospital was able to walk and speak again. From 1999 until John's death in 2004, Carol was a faithful caretaker, sacrificing many of her loved activities to be home with John. In 2001, they celebrated 50 years of marriage.      Carol's health began to deteriorate shortly after John's passing, and she was unable to live alone after 2007. Her sons were able to manage her needs at home until early 2011, when she was entrusted to the excellent care of the staff at Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation, and Assisted Living Community. The family cannot adequately thank them enough for all their help. They were truly a second family to Carol. Our thanks also go to Dr. Pogliano and Mr.Wennersten for their excellent and compassionate care.      Surviving are two sons, John E. and Peter A., both of Ironwood; two daughters, Greta Armata, Milwaukee, and Carol (Leonard) McManman, Brooklyn Park, Minn.; five grandchildren, Jamie Michael Armata (Alisa Morrison-Armata), Wauwatosa, Wis., and Cassandra, Laura, Diane and Jack McManman, all of Brooklyn Park; an aunt, Venita Bahun, Ironwood; brother-and-sisters-in-law, Edward A. Blomquist, Mary Carlson, and Karen Anderson, all of Ironwood; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved cat, Toby.      Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Anderson; special aunt, Carrie Anderson; brother-in-law, Leroy Carlson, and sister-in-law, Betty Blomquist.      Out of respect for Carol's wishes, cremation has taken place.      Memorial services will be held Friday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 9:30 a.m., at Salem Lutheran Church, 333 E. Aurora St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Rell Spickerman officiating.      Committal will take place at the church, with luncheon to follow in the church fellowship hall.      Private interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.      In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salem Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.      To view Carol's obituary online, sign the guestbook or offer condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.