Carol A. Yamaoka

Longtime Westland, Michigan resident, Carol Anne Yamaoka, aged 58, passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024.

She was a long time CNA working in nursing homes and taking care of others. She spent most of her life caring for others until their end of lives and was very good at her job. She had a sense of humor that could turn anyone's bad day to a good one, and would always be there to chat if anyone needed someone to talk to.

She was born to John and Janice Smallwood on October 5, 1965. She has a younger sister, Patricia Smallwood who resides in Kenai, Alaska, and brother, Mark Smallwood, who resides in Anchorage, Alaska. She lived many years in Alaska and raised 2 sons, Matthew and Timothy Yamaoka. She loved to go fishing and spend as much time as she could with her boys. She also loved to cook and she made homemade meals that could have been showcased in any fine restaurant. She moved back to Michigan to start over once her boys were grown and made a life there to be proud of. She enjoyed spending time with her good friend, Bill Kolstad, and traveling to different places with him.

She is preceded in death by both of her parents, John and Janice Smallwood of Soldotna, AK. She is survived by her siblings, Patricia Smallwood of Kenai, Alaska and Mark Smallwood of Anchorage, Alaska, son's Matthew (Amber) Yamaoka of Soldotna, Alaska, Timothy (Sally) Yamaoka of Cadillac, Michigan, grandson Joshua Yamaoka of Soldotna, Alaska, many cousins, neices, nephews, and extended friends and family far and wide.

She is very loved and will be missed greatly!