Carol Manheim dedicated her life to healing, teaching, and service. Born in Canton, Ohio, she pursued her education at Flora Stone Mather College of Western Reserve University, earning an undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry. After working as a research lab technician at the Case Western Reserve medical school, she completed her graduate studies in Physical Therapy at Case Western Reserve University. Later in life, she earned a second master’s degree (M.Ed in counseling) from The Citadel and added Licensed Professional Counselor to her credentials.
After moving to Charleston with her family in 1980, Carol worked in physical therapy at Roper Hospital before she established her own private practice in West Ashley in 1985. Carol was passionate about pediatric physical therapy, serving Charleston County schools and expanding her practice to Dorchester County schools and beyond. She authored an influential physical therapy textbook that has been translated into a dozen languages. Carol shared her expertise through teaching engagements across the United States, Canada, and internationally in Poland, Italy, Spain, and Barbados, where she enjoyed connecting with people from diverse cultures.
Carol was deeply involved in her community. She was an active member of Synagogue Emanu El, serving multiple terms on the board of directors and most recently as the volunteer librarian. Her community service extended to roles on the board of Middleton Place Homeowners Association, president of Temple Israel Sisterhood (1979-80), and longtime member of Emanu El Sisterhood. She was a lifetime member of Hadassah and participated in the National Council of Jewish Women and ORT.
Her compassionate spirit led her to volunteer with the Charleston Animal Society, which became her retirement “job” and earned her Volunteer of the Year recognition. Carol’s other volunteer work included serving with Begin with Books, supporting the Interfaith Crisis Ministry by preparing meals at its homeless shelter, volunteering as a counselor during the AIDS Quilt display in Marion Square, hosting fundraisers for the AIDS Foundation in Charleston, and ushering for Piccolo Spoleto.
Carol had a passion for the arts, particularly the Spoleto Festival’s chamber music series, and was a longtime subscriber at the Dock Street Theatre.
She leaves behind her wife, Rhonda Ferris, her brother Michael Manheim, her children, Ron Kaplan (Yoni Bock), Paul Kaplan (Nicole Kaplan), Julie Kaplan Hershovitz (Scott Hershovitz), and her grandchildren, Jo Kaplan, Ben Kaplan, Rex Hershovitz, and Hank Hershovitz.
Mrs. Manheim’s funeral will be Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 11:15 am at Synagogue Emanu-El in Charleston SC, 5 Windsor Drive, Charleston, SC 29407, followed by burial at Northlawn Cemetery in Canton, OH.
In lieu of food or flowers, the family would welcome donations in Carol’s memory to the Charleston Animal Shelter, Donate – Charleston Animal Society or Synagogue Emanu-El.