Rushman Meili, Carol A. (nee Serio) of Mequon, WI. Passed away peacefully on July 27th, 2021. Adored wife of the late Jay Meili. Loving mother of Denise (Jim) Szymanksi, Roger (Nancy) Rushman, Lisa (Paul) Peplinski, Renee (Brian) Tazalla and Leslie (Troy) Cota. Dear stepmother of Robin and Brett Meili. Best grandma ever of Brad (Katie) Kuehl, Ashley Cota-Smudde (Andy), Erica (Ryan) Miller, Charles (Irene) and Kelly Rushman, Allison and Elizabeth Peplinski, Zachary and Lindsay Tazalla and Stephanie Spicer. Great grandma “Nana Carol” of Cameron Cota and Nora and Lucy Kuehl. Preceded in death by her mother, Cecilia Serio (nee Blanchard), father, Nicholas Serio, brother Roger Serio and stepdaughter, Page Meili. Further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, countless friends throughout Wisconsin and the world, her bridge partner/teacher David Spicuzza and her dearest friend, Jan (Mark) Tishberg.
Carol was born on Sept 2nd, 1933 in Milwaukee. Upon graduation from Messmer High School, she attended Marquette University. In addition to her successful modeling career, she was one of the first Manpower Sue’s in the country for Manpower, International Temporary Help Agency.
In October 1953, she married Charles Rushman. Together, they raised five children in the Washington Highlands in Wauwatosa, WI. As a member of St. Sebastian’s parish, she founded and directed a group of teenage musicians who led worship at the 12:15 guitar mass. The folk group known as “Sebastian” also performed at weddings, funerals, parties and corporate events and competed in talented shows. They packed the lower level of the church for the Midnight Mass every Christmas Eve. They also recorded a very successful album. Carol was incredibly proud of this talented group of musicians, calling it one of her greatest accomplishments in life.
Carol was introduced to astrology in the late 60’s by her dear friend, Janis Robedeaux and studied tirelessly to become one of the best astrologers in the world. She was sought out as a speaker and was a popular guest on radio and television shows. With clients all over the world, she loved teaching and mentoring students. Her book, The Art of Predictive Astrology, was published in seven languages and continues to be a best=seller on Amazon. Carol was one of the first in the country to hold Psychic Fairs allowing attendees to sample various disciplines of metaphysical readings such as Astrology, Tarot, I-Ching and Numerology. The Carol Rushman & Co. gypsy tent was an annual fixture at Bastille Days and arguably the most popular booth at the festival.
In Feb. 1982, Carol co-hosted a Singles Astrological Cruise with WOKY Radio and met Jay Meili on this cruise. The two were married on September 28, 1983. Together, they enjoy a multitude of activities. They traveled the world together, visiting 117 countries on dozens of cruises and trips. They enjoyed spending time with family on vacations and celebrating holidays with their kids and grandkids.
Carol loved playing bridge and became a bridge life master. She enjoyed attending concerts and seeing musicals, gardening, playing trivia and watching her grandkids’ performances and sporting events. She loved ballroom dancing and took lessons for years at Fred Aistaire Dance Studios. She was an accomplished performer, loved competing and had many friends in the dance world.
Carol’s love for family and friends was boundless; her generosity was second to none.
“Beautiful is the woman who knows that people, places and things don’t define her. She is defined by her acts of loving kindness and a generous heart.”
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at the Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home in Mequon at 4:00 pm with a visitation from 2:00 pm until time of service.
