LAUREL - Carolyn L. Calio, 68, passed away Sunday at the University of Maryland Hospital from a rare complication after a successful transplant surgery. She was surrounded by her loving family, her husband, five children, granddaughter and their spouses and passed peacefully. Born in her parents' home in Laurel, she was always proud to be a Sussex County native and worked toward preserving the history of Laurel and the county. She was a life-time member of the Laurel Historical Society. She and her husband enjoyed traveling. Carolyn loved traveling to Williamsburg and the historical charm of the area. Carolyn loved to listen to the music of the 50's and 60's especially Elvis Presley. She never met a person she couldn't have a conversation with, always upbeat and to the point. She often said there was no 'gray' area; everything was 'black or white'. Carolyn was active in her community and state, serving as co-chair for 20 years of the Laurel Alumni Association Banquet where she was a charter member. She also served as a member of the Delaware State Pharmacy Board, and as a Board member of the Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club and on the advisory board of the Laurel Club. She served as Inspector for the Department of Elections for many years. A 1960 graduate of Laurel High School she was class treasurer and organized all of her class reunions. She also attended Goldey Beacom College after graduation. She was secretary-treasurer of Calio's Investments, Ltd and worked in the family business which included a retail store, restaurant, shopping center and real estate investments for the family for 35 years. During the years her children were in school she served as an officer in the PTA, and Laurel Booster Club. She was known for her cooking talents, often seen delivering her famous zucchini breads, Italian Pizelles, Italian dishes to homes and home bound seniors, cooking meals for the Boys and Girls Club, the Laurel Police Department during the year and especially at Christmas. Her expression of love to others was to cook for people. Her cooking talents will be missed by many. She loved cooking large meals for her family, even during her late years when she was ailing. Her energy and bubbling personality will be missed by many as will her love for family. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Margaret Carmean; and a brother James Robert Carmean. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Frank B. Calio; five children, Chris Calio and wife Linda of Laurel, Lisa Alvarez and fiancée Gary Brittinghan of Laurel, Angela Calio and fiancée Charles Quillen of Laurel, Dominic Calio and wife Amber of Chesapeake, Va., Katrina Braham and husband Frank of Delmar; a sister, June Smith and brother-in-law Jeff of Laurel; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her uncle, Layton Carmine of Opelika, Ala.; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. Services will be held at the Laurel Fire Department Hall, 205 10th Street, Laurel, on Thursday, April 21, 2011, at 11 a.m., a visitation for friends and family will also be held Wednesday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Fire Hall. The Father John McKenna will officiate. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cemetery in Blades. At request donations be made to the Laurel Alumni Association (Scholarship Endowment), P.O. Box 382, Laurel, DE. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home Laurel, DE. Online condolences can be made to the Calio family be visiting, www.hsdfuneralhome.com.