Wednesday, June 4, 2025
More Than Sister In laws, but Friends…………..
Carol had a loving heart that cared, helping hands to do for others, listening ears to understand. She gave so much of herself, being nonjudgmental, respectful to all and a constant source of support and warmth to those who knew her, valuing each relationship, finding only the good in all!
Her dedication to motherhood, loving wife of John, homemaker and employee was apparent in her constant stride. Together their up bringing of beautiful, successful daughters Traci and Angela, where a testament to her deepest pride of all their accomplishments. Surly Carol’s flair for hair endeavors, love of fashion, ladylike composure, positive attitude had rubbed off on her daughters. As parents they accomplished the American second-generation goal of providing them the privilege of a college education!
Her greatest joy, apparent in later years, was of time well spent with her granddaughters, Lillie and Ava. She not only strived to fill their bookshelves but to constantly read to them. She missed her calling as a teacher with all her praise, patience, and encouragement. When Angela and David provided her with a Dean B+B sleep over room of her own, she was so happy and knew she was a valued Grama!
Carol loved all children. Frequently, on my neighborhood strolls, with as many as (5) out of my (6) grandchildren, we would make it a point to ring Carol’s door bell just to say “Hello”. The children looked forward to seeing her. She always greeted them with excitement and offered them a treat, beckoning us to stay a while.
Throughout the years, Carol enjoyed refreshing her household décor with a “Martha Stewart” influence and John’s expertise. Extended family got to enjoy the fruits of their labor whether it was at one of their beautifully home decorated Christmas dinners or other festivities. Family was very important to her, frequently, fondly speaking of them, rattling off names of spouses, nieces, nephews, schools they attended, their jobs etc. Sunrise Hill doors were always open bringing people together!
I recall a few of Carol’s prized recipes which I could never duplicate. There was her “Deluxe Cheese Cake” – creamy throughout with a cookie crust, her sugar cookies which I gave up on totally. In retirement seemingly she loved to create “Stir Frys,” always concentrating on healthy eating and self-control.
Blooms from Spring to Fall were Carol’s well-planned gardens. Frequently you would catch her with gloves, trowel in hand with her Campobello sun hat on, planting and re-planting, always making time to enjoy a respite on their cool deck with a book or magazine.
Carol throughout the years would tell me of her enjoyable shopping adventures especially with her daughters, time well spent, not to be confused with grocery shopping which she left up to John! Seemingly, her exposure to the Boston shops with daughter Traci became a desirable destination!
Then there were the yearly summer vacations on Campobello at their summer home that John rebuilt. Here she could re-connect with her roots, unwinding and making special memories of a lifetime for her family. Upon their vacation returns, Carol was always certain to bring me back a souvenir or two, everything from maple treats, Campobello sweatshirts, plates, Maine cups, Canadian leaf jewelry, cook books and beach stones! I assured her someday when I was retired, I would take her up on their invite to vacation with them and see for myself, their beautiful work in progress, beach home.
In the meantime, once they generously took my younger son with them for a two-week adventurous island stay. Upon the Meriden departure, he was so excited being certain to pack his fishing gear, he left his suitcase on the side of the van. Although I mailed it out to him, in the meantime, Carol and John bought him some new clothes. Too bad there were no cell phones back then, to call them back! This was a special trip for him for sure!
Some of my most memorable memories of Carol included those conversations of the heart. Little did she know of the positive impact and difference she made in the lives of others, I for one do. She and brother John were there for me during troubled waters – priceless! Many times, she saved my livelihood by watching my boys when my unpredicted hours of work as a SNET Telephone Operator left me desperate. For these acts of kindness, support, and numerous others, I am forever grateful.
Carol and I frequently spoke of someday, once we both were retired and the grand kids no longer needed us, we could plan daily adventures, maybe a museum, a class, perhaps even a bus trip. Afterall John would not mind, he was always working on a project or two.
Speaking earlier of the beach stones which Carol especially collected for me, they were quite unique. All naturally smooth, different sizes, shapes, and composition. The largest one of which fits in the palm of my hand, is an almost flawless shaped heart. Not having a flower garden myself, I have kept these stones indoors for years. I shall now return them to her memory.
On many occasions during Carol’s last Meriden good years, she told me she would never die. She had a deep faith that perhaps many do not understand. She was right, her spirit lives on within all those hearts she touched – forever!
A quote from a memorial bench in her honor reads:
“Gone, yet not forgotten
Although we are apart
Your spirit lives within me
Forever in my heart”
In loving memory of my good friend Carol,
Love,
Marie
