Carri M. Bright

Carri M. Bright, 49, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 in Orlando, FL after a painful battle with cancer. She was born on April 6, 1974 in Cherry Point, North Carolina to Kenneth and Barbara (Polacsek) Bright. She was the first grandchild on both sides of her family and was dearly loved by all her grandparents, aunts and uncles. Carri had a dramatic flair which was nurtured during her years of performing at Pioneer Theatre and later at Elyria High School where she was very active in the Drama Department. She attended Kent State University and graduated in 1995 with a degree in Art History. In 2001, she moved to Orlando where she resided for the past 22 years. During those years she worked in various social media jobs, the latest as Social Media Manager for “The Super Age.” She loved cats, especially strays. Over the years she adopted multiple strays and at the time of her death she was a loving cat mom to 5 cats. She also read every book she could get her hands on. Each year her goal was to read and critique more books than the year before. She’ll be remembered for her quick wit, intensive vocabulary, love of music, contagious laughter, and her beautiful smile. She acquired new friends at every stage of her life. The love and support of these friends helped keep her spirits up during the last challenging year. Special thanks to her long-time friends; Terri Stevens, Mike Daley, Ella Daley, Abbie Webb, and Tina Leighty, for always being available to her. Survivors include her loving mother, Barbara (Polacsek) Bright of Elyria; special caregiver, Aunt Sara Bonilla (Ben), of Fairfax, VA; Uncle John Polacsek, and special caregiver, Aunt Marti Polacsek, of Detroit, MI; Uncle David Polacsek (Gayle) of Wellington; Aunt Janice Cales (Gary deceased) of Dayton; and Tina Thompson (Rick) of Elyria; cousins, Justin Williams (Sarah), Brendan Williams, Chance Running Horse and Mary Johnson. She is preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Bright; grandparents, John and Irene (Solet) Polacsek and Charles and Ursa (Humphreys) Bright; Aunt Joann Polacsek on March 21, 2023. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 4 PM – 7 PM at the Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd (at State Rt 57) in Elyria. Carri’s Celebration of Life will be at the same time and location as her Aunt Joann. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Jude Catholic Church in Elyria (meet at church.) The Reverend Father Joseph Scalco, CSJ, Pastor of St. Jude Church will officiate. A private burial at Brookdale Cemetery in Elyria will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent to Spay the Strays, P.O. Box 700112, St. Cloud, FL 34770 or any pet rescue of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.laubenthalmercado.com. Arrangements entrusted to Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home in Elyria.

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