Gesme, Carole Ann age 84, passed away peacefully May 29, 2022 at Amira Choice Minnetonka, with family, friends and love around her. "Christmas Carole" was born December 25, 1937 to Lawrence "Buddy" and Helen Peterson in St. Paul, MN. Carole loved learning and teaching. She earned her BS in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota. She became a Certified Family Life Educator, a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor, and earned her Masters Degree in Human Development from St. Mary's University. All of the knowledge she gained she used to help others through teaching as a professor at both Concordia and St. Mary's, working with Project Charlie and also in the women's prison system. She helped reach more people by starting her business "I Wanna Be Me" where she sold therapeutic and educational materials she developed for building self-esteem and helping families. Carole received the University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development Alumni Society Larry Wilson award in 2005. She received the Outstanding Advisor award from St. Mary's University in 2001. Her book "Life is a Celebration" won the 2000 Midwest Book Award in the Religion and Philosophy category. Carole had great faith in the Lord and loved serving Him. She was very active in her church communities and especially enjoyed her work with Stephen's Ministry in Sun City, AZ. Carole was truly and deeply interested in everyone she met. If you knew her, you loved her, and she loved you. She traveled the world and made a friend on every flight she took. She had a caring heart and a generous spirit that she shared with everyone. Carole believed "Life is a Celebration" and she did that everyday. She has made many lifelong friends throughout her journey and enjoyed celebrating those friendships at her home in MN, during her winters in Sun City, AZ and during special times at the family cabin on Woman Lake. Above all, for Carole, family was the most important thing and her greatest joy! She cherished every moment that was shared together. Carole is preceded in death by both her parents and her former husband Charles "Chuck" Gesme. She will be deeply missed by her sons, Paul (Ann) Gesme and Andrew (Tiffany) Gesme; grandsons Charlie (Jenae) Gesme and Tommy Gesme; brother Larry (Pauline) Peterson; nephews, Lawrence Peterson and Marston Peterson; Her cousins, Rick, Sandy, Nadine and Janie and by many dear and cherished friends. Arrangements are with Washburn-McReavy, Edina. Memorials preferred to Lutheran Social Services Minnesota, Attention: Development, 2485 Como Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108-9932. Burial at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis. A private family service will take place at a later date.