Carolyn Svatek Salazar, 66, passed away peacefully in her home in Bay City, TX on October 5, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on November 10, 1956 to August and Joann Svatek.

Carolyn was a life-long resident of Bay City, TX and a member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church. After graduating from Bay City High School in 1975, She chased her dream of becoming a nurse. She graduated from Wharton County Junior College with her associate degree, became a Registered Nurse, and began her career with the Matagorda County Hospital District in 1983. Carolyn had a passion for taking care of people and was highly regarded within the hospital community for her professionalism, leadership, commitment, and dedication. Her natural gift was always serving people, which was exemplified through mentoring many nurses, sharing the wisdom and experience that she gained over the years. She believed in serving her patients with dignity, respect, and true compassion. She created a legacy that will continue to impact many generations to come.

Carolyn was one of the founding members of the Matagorda Regional Medical Center Foundation, which was created in 2004. In 2015, after she retired from 31 years of service, the Foundation honored her along with her friend and mentor, Jan Johnson, for their combined 70+ years of nursing experience, dedication, and leadership by creating the Johnson-Salazar Nursing Scholarship.

Carolyn was an amazing and devoted mother to her two children. She was their nurse, counselor, teacher, friend, and biggest supporter. Carolyn could always be counted on to be there for her kids. She was an outstanding example of a true matriarch. In 2009, she married the love of her life, Jerry Salazar, after meeting each other while working at the hospital. Their relationship was built on trust, compassion, and care, and they were both extremely blessed that God brought them together.

Carolyn was known for being the backbone of her family, and this was illustrated by the loving care and support she provided to her parents, siblings, and many others over the years. When she wasn't spoiling her grandchildren, she enjoyed working in the yard, hosting family BBQs with her husband, decorating her home for the holidays, reading, diamond art, and relaxing in the pool.

Carolyn will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Salazar; parents, August and Joann Svatek; children, Eric Snyder and Krystle Pape; step-son Jerry Salazar Jr.; siblings, Charlene (Tommy) Fuller, Mark (Carla) Svatek, and Anita (Mark) Henske; grandchildren, Makenzie Pape, Kaylyn Salazar, McCoy Pape, Cyrus Snyder, and soon-to-be Coralyn Snyder; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bay City. A rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Van Vleck. Pallbearers include Robby Henske, Cody Fuller, Bailey Svatek, Bradley Svatek, Jerry Salazar Jr., and Ryan Salazar.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Carolyn may be made to the MRMC Foundation. Online donations can be made at https://matagordaregional.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonateNow or you may contact Tiffany Foltyn at (979) 241-5534 or tfoltyn@matagordaregional.org.