Carol Kostakos Petranek has been hooked on non-fiction writing since childhood, and on family history research for the past 30 years. Melding the two has been a joyous adventure which has led her to journeys of discovery and introspection, and to new friendships and relationships.A latter-day pioneer, Carol is the first member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in her family and the only member in her extended family. Born and raised Greek Orthodox, Carol was introduced to the Church by her second husband, Gary Petranek. Together, they raised a blended family of four children, and today they are the grandparents of fifteen.Carol’s love of family history is fueled by her love of family ancestry & progeny. The adage, “family is everything,” has been ringing in her ears since birth. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she was raised in a predominantly Greek neighborhood close to extended family, and grew up with strong ethnic ties and family traditions. Learning about the struggles and triumps of those who have come before has given her the perspective and resilience to deal with that which lies ahead.Carol has lived in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area since she was twelve. She currently serves as one of the Directors of the Washington, D.C. Family History Center and as a Volunteer at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Her time is dedicated to researching her Greek family, as well as Gary’s Czech and northern European ancestors. She is involved in several areas of community service, and enjoys needlework, quilting, traveling, new technology and early American history. Carol and her husband, Gary, reside in Silver Spring, Maryland.
