Carol Mastej (née Sander), 80, of Eau Claire, a woman of unwavering faith, vibrant joy, and selfless generosity, passed away peacefully after a painful battle with cancer on October 15, 2026. Strengthened by the Sacraments of the Catholic Church, Carol has completed her earthly journey. We pray that she may be granted the eternal joy of the Beatific Vision.

Carol was born on January 28, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio. Her family soon returned to the Chicago area where much of her extended family resided. She grew up near many cherished cousins, aunts, uncles, and her Busia, and the family connections and memories remained strong throughout her whole life. Carol met her husband, Don, in Hammond, Indiana, in the fall of 1966. They fell in love quickly, drawn together by their shared Catholic faith, Polish heritage, and strong love of family, and they married on June 10, 1967.

Carol's radiant, warm, and welcoming smile was a fixture of her personality, whether working at her job at Wells Fargo, volunteering weekly in various capacities, cheering on her children and grandchildren at events, landscaping her property, having lunch with friends, or baking the best apple pie. She lived her life in a gentle grace, choosing to always see the best in people. She poured that beautiful energy, her inherited strong work ethic, and gifted love of God into St Mary's parish in Altoona after moving to Wisconsin in 1978. Volunteering with a cheerful heart, she was involved in parish committees, taught Catechism, led the Fatima apostolate, and ran the bingo program, to name a few, all for the greater glory of God. Her hands were always busy in service, be it digging in the soil of her garden, creating something wonderful in the kitchen, or folding them in prayer.

Carol always remembered details about family and friends, and often reached out to loved ones on special days. Her friends were lifelong, and many have been faithful throughout her recent sufferings. Yet, for all her quiet impact on the world, Carol's focus was at home. As a mother, she was entirely selfless. Following her husband Don's sudden passing from a heart attack 40 years ago, she forged ahead with complete trust in God. Her greatest desire she often expressed, and where many of her prayers went, is that her children end up in heaven. The legacy of Carol's love lives on in her children and grandchildren who now ask for your continued prayers for the repose of her soul.

Carol is survived by her three children, Mark Mastej, Chris (James) Finn, and Linda Mastej; and three grandchildren, Madison Schaefer, Jackson Schaefer, and Will Finn, who knew her affectionately as their Busia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Mastej; father, Clarence Sander; mother, Helen Sander-Breclaw (née Bukowski); stepfather, Richard Breclaw; siblings and their spouses, Grace (Tony) Semik, Rosemary (Ed) Butkus, Clarence (Shirley) Sander, and Thomas (Pat) Sander.

A Requiem Mass will be held at 12:30p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1812 Lynn Ave., in Altoona, with Father Joseph Redfern officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services, 814 1st Ave. in Eau Claire and again one hour prior to the service in the at the church. A recitation of the Rosary will take place at 12:00p.m. in the narthex of the church. Following Mass, family and friends are invited to a luncheon at the connected Community Center. Burial will be after the luncheon, in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4100 S Hastings Way in Eau Claire.

To express online condolences, please visit www.lenmarkfh.com