Carol Streator

Carol Murphy Streator, 83, died early on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Parkview Hospital in Ft. Wayne. She died of complications from cancer. She and her husband, Jim, met when both were on the faculty at Manchester College (University) They were married in 1965 in North Manchester and had 2 boys, Eric who lives in Claypool and Randy who lives in Batesville, IN. Randy is married and has 4 children.

Carol had a Master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music with a bachelor’s degree from the Crane School of Music in the SUNY system. She studied with a number of opera teachers including Anna Kaskas, Eileen Farrell and Mari Taniguichi. Carol sang with the Lafayette and Manchester symphony orchestras. She taught at both Manchester College and Grace College. She was also the choir director at the Manchester Methodist Church and most recently for 19 years at the Manchester Church of the Brethren. She also gave private vocal and piano lessons at her home in North Manchester. Carol gave recitals in a number of locations including New York State, Florida and North Manchester.

Carol produced and performed a musical play about Grace Quivey Van Studdiford, a Metropolitan Opera singer who was born in North Manchester. For many years, Carol served as a district and state musical contest judge. For many years she donned her red hat of Town Callers and welcomed people new to the community and also presented new mothers with a baby book on behalf of local merchants.

Over many years, she was an avid horticulturist and bird protector, providing nests in which over 1200 Purple Martin birds were born. She grew African Violets, orchids and a great variety of hosta plants. In her spare time, she knit a number of items for her 4 grandchildren and also did a lot of traveling with her favorite destinations being Spain, Alaska and Costs Rica.

In keeping with Carol’s wishes, no services will be held. Those that wish to donate in Carol’s memory may do so to local cancer societies.

The family of Carol Streator has entrusted McKee Mortuary with arrangements.