Obituary of Carole Ann O'Connor

Carole Ann O'Connor, a loving mother, grandmother, and devoted educator, passed away on April 1, 2023, in Albany, NY, due to complications from surgery. Born on November 4, 1944, in Freeland, PA, to her late parents Stanley E. And Helen M. (Boris) Vercusky.

Raised in the coal-mining town of Freeland, PA, Carole's passion for knowledge and education was evident from a young age. After graduating high school, she attended Wilkes University and earned a Master's in Education and counseling from Penn State. Later in life, as her children grew up and left the nest, Carole continued her educational journey by obtaining a second master's degree in Teaching English To Speakers Of Other Languages (TESOL) from SUNY Albany. Her dedication to learning also took her to Poland and Guatemala, where she studied languages and gained invaluable cultural experiences.

Throughout her professional career, Carole worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of her students. In Endicott, NY, she served as an elementary school teacher, touching the hearts and minds of countless children. In the Capital Region, she worked for BOCES as an ESL teacher and tutor in many area school districts, helping children newly arrived to the US learn English and reach their full potential in their new surroundings.  She also spent years working with area community organizations teaching English to immigrant adults, helping them acquire the language skills they would need to navigate life and work here successfully.  Carole's patience, compassion, and motivation endeared her to her students, and she was a fierce advocate for her international students, ensuring they received the support they needed to succeed.

Family was the cornerstone of Carole's life, and she took immense pride in being a stay-at-home mom while her children were growing up. She was actively involved in their lives, driving to countless dance classes and practices, cheering at recitals and sports events, participating in the PTA, and even creating one-of-a-kind costumes for special occasions. Her children will forever cherish her unwavering love and support.

For many years, Carole was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church and a fixture at the Burnt Owl craft store. Carole's creativity knew no bounds. Her love for music, especially the piano, was evident in her impressive skills as a piano player. She appreciated all kinds of music, including classical, folk, and world music and learned to play the banjo mandolin later in life.  A talented seamstress, she could sew, knit, quilt, and crochet, creating beautiful and unique works of art. Carole’s creative spirit was a source of joy and inspiration to those around her, and her loved ones will treasure her handcrafted treasures for years to come.

Carole always enjoyed reading; for many years her passion for learning continued through the written word. Later in life, she filled her time with her family, reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing card games, drawing, and enjoying her pets, especially cats. Carole’s 78 years of life were filled with love, creativity, and selflessness, leaving a lasting impact on those who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her loving children, Elizabeth Marie O'Connor of Niskayuna, Brian Martin (Julie) O'Connor of Oregon, and Craig Royce O'Connor of Rhode Island; and cherished grandchildren, Diego O’Connor, Catherine Marie O’Connor and Andrew Stanley O’Connor.

Family and friends are invited to Carole’s Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of Immaculate Conception, 400 Saratoga Rd, on Monday, April 10th at 11 AM. Private entombment will be held in Pennsylvania, where she will be laid to rest with her family.

In loving memory, memorial contributions may be made to RISSE (Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus), one of the places where Carole taught newly-arrived adults, https://www.risse-albany.org or to The John Katz Army of Good https://www.bedlamfarm.com/army-of-good/