Caroline Elfriede (Graner) Pasternak

Mrs. Caroline Elfriede Pasternak, 97 of Carrboro passed away on Monday, September 4, 2017.

She was born Caroline Elfriede Graner on November 16, 1919 in Tann/Rhoen, Germany, daughter of Ludwig Graner and Sophie Orf. Caroline was working as a cook for the US Army's Officers' Mess in Tann in 1946 when she met Captain Joseph Andrew Pasternak and fell in love. It was during their courtship that the Russian forces, occupying Eastern Germany, attempted to annex Tann/Rhoen. When Capt. Pasternak stood firm, Tann remained in West Germany, and Caroline and Joe's courtship was secure. They were together for the next 44 years until Joe's passing.

During that time, they were stationed in France, Germany and Monterey, Cali., where she worked as a canner on Cannery Row. She was active in the NCO and Officers Clubs, loved socializing, working at the Ft. Bragg Special Warfare Bookstore and cooking traditional German and Polish dishes for family and friends.
After Joe's passing in 1991 she learned to drive and continued doing what she loved. In 2009 she moved to Carrboro, where she lived with her daughter, Cottie and son-in-law, Orrin, making new friends and supervising the household.

She is survived by her son, Andrew Pasternak (Beverly) of Spring, Texas; two daughters, Barbara Pasternak (Brian Keller) Soquel, Cali. and Carolyne Cottie Pasternak (Orrin Robbins) of Carrborr; two grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews in Germany and the U.S.A.

The family will receive friends from 6 pm to 8 pm tonight, Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11 am Friday, September 8, 2017 at Main Post Cemetery Ft. Bragg with Father Jack Kelly officiating.

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