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Carol was the oldest of five siblings and had many stories of growing up in a big family in Plattsburgh on “The Hill.” Stories of snow storms, evening picnics at the City beach, Sunday drives to Port Kent and walks around the block. She graduated from Our Lady of Victory Academy in 1964. She then went to school at Champlain Valley School of Nursing in Plattsburgh, where she graduated in 1967.
Her career as a nurse was more than a career. It was indeed her calling. If you were a patient of hers, you had one of the most skilled, knowledgeable, caring, honest, and hard-working nurses. She was a fierce advocate for her patients and could connect with people who made all the difference. She told you the truth and then told it again, although she always made you laugh simultaneously. Her calling took her to Champlain Valley Hospital (NY), Ellenville Community Hospital (NY), Springfield Hospital (VT), Central Vermont Hospital (VT), Copley Hospital (VT), Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice (VT), Evergreen Nursing Home (NY), Clinton County Home Care (NY), and finally to Clinton County Mental Health Clinic (NY). She took a break from nursing for a few years to be available to her children as they went through school. During those years, she worked for The State of Vermont in various departments.
Being a Mother was her second calling. As a single Mother, she worked so hard to make sure her children were taken care of and loved. She never missed a school concert, art show, parent/teacher conference, sporting event, or awards banquet. She was the Mom that was there, always. She was also the Sister, the Aunt, the Grammy, and the Friend that could be counted on. Her Grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. She was so proud of every one of them. Her sense of humor was ever-present, her smile was unforgettable, her intelligence allowed her to speak on many different topics, and her ability to accept life’s ups and downs with grace was terrific. Her strength was unmatched.
She is survived and cherished by her daughters, Renee Bates (William) and Tina Mitchell (Troy Cirillo ); her Son-in-Law, Donald Fair (Veronica Eldred); her siblings, Thomas Rennell (Carol), Donna Belanger (William), Kathy O’Connor (Michael), a Brother-in-Law, Bruce Stevens; her Grandchildren, Taylor A. Fair, Maxwell C. Fair, Hannah C. Fair, Shelby J. Midgett, and Marcus A. Midgett; eleven nieces and nephews; and numerous grand nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, David Dewey Rennell and Adelaide (Parrotte) Rennell, and her sister Susan (Rennell) Stevens.
A special thank you goes out to Dr. Elise Everett and all her amazing team members (especially the ever-sassy Jordan).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the North Country.
Calling hours will be Thursday, August 18, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, August 19, 2022 at 11:00am at Our Lady of Victory Church.
Arrangements were entrusted to Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.
Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.