Obituary of Vera G. Carroll

Vera G. Carroll, 88, died at home on September 27, 2011 surrounded by family members who had cared for her throughout the final months of her illness. The youngest of three children, she was born to Florence (Zipf) and James D. Bell on April 12, 1923 in Newark, NJ. In 1943 she married William C. Carroll, also of Newark. They became the parents of two sons and four daughters. The family moved to Poughkeepsie when he was transferred to the IBM Lab in 1957. Her life spanned ten decades, from the Roaring Twenties into the new Millennium. From those years of wide-ranging social, political, and technological changes, she gleaned the values that defined her and the wisdom that she drew upon to guide her family through good times and bad. She was a clearinghouse for family news that kept her children up to date with one another's lives. She kept current with the times, and viewed life with a lightness of spirit. She had a wonderful sense of humor and story-telling ability. Vera loved people, she maintained active friendships, and conversation was never lacking when she was present. Vera's love of music and theater was second only to her love of family and friends. She grew up in a musical family. As a young woman, she sang duets with her sister and performed in local theatrical productions. She retained an encyclopedic knowledge of song lyrics from various eras and genres. She continued the musical tradition at her own family gatherings, which were always highlighted by musical instruments and harmonizing. Vera was a member of the Children's Community Theater in Poughkeepsie, performing at schools throughout the area during the 1970s. She also acted with the County Players and had remained an enthusiastic supporter of that group. In addition to her theater work in the schools, she also served as a library volunteer at Oak Grove School. Vera was predeceased by her parents, her siblings, and her husband. She is survived by her children William Carroll, Jr. and his wife Lorna of Kingston, NY; Gloria and husband Daniel Gonzalez of St. Augustine, FL; Maureen and husband John Dean of Lansing, NY; Janet Osen of Alpharetta, GA; Anne and husband Jeff Cease, also of Alpharetta; and John and wife Michele of Phoenix, AZ. Survivors also include eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She is survived as well by three generations of nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all the neighbors and friends who have enriched their beloved mother's life with their generous gifts of friendship and caring. They extend their heartfelt thanks, also, to the caregivers at Hospice, Inc. of Dutchess County and Anytime Health Aides. At Vera's request, there will be no calling hours, and her remains will be cremated privately. Those wishing to honor her memory may contribute to a favorite charity, or pay forward one of the many kindnesses that were shown to her in her final days. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, Wappingers Falls. To send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.