Carole Marcotte died yesterday, early in the morning, in California. She leaves behind her parents, two brothers Gary and Kile, her sister Susan, many friends, and a husband, Bob, who loved her very much.
She was four and a half years older than I, and I looked up to her. One mistake she made in her life that I know about was her laughing—often alone—at her littlest brother’s attempts at humor. This forever endeared me to her, and provided encouragement—thus condemning those close to me to this day, to continuing stumbles into humor. Yes, let’s say it was her fault.
She had a natural, rich singing voice, which she put to use as a soloist in choirs and in churches throughout her life. This I also admired. An early high point for her was being chosen to sing, in Pennsauken High School’s production of West Side Story, “Somewhere” (“There’s a place for us”). I can still picture looking up to her, on a balcony in a blue light above the stage.
Waves of cancer took her away, but not before years of pain, treatments, surgeries, and more pain. She repeatedly surprised doctors with her resilience. After they had cut nerves to get to one mass of badness, nerves that would keep her from ever walking again, she walked. The doctors did not know how this could be. She made art, she laughed.
And as her body weakened, and as her pain increased, her faith strengthened. Many people noted this. She looked to the Lord, the source of strength, and I look up to her still.
Into Thy hands, O merciful Savior, we commend thy servant Carole and our dear sister. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech thee, a sheep of thine own fold, a lamb of thine own flock, a sinner of thine own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of thy mercy and into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.
Sorry for your loss, Kile! Even knowing that a loved one is at peace or no longer in pain may not help when the loss for everyone left is so raw. Our thoughts for your family.
Thank you, Alaina! You’re right that our feelings are as real as ever.
Kile
Our prayers are with Carol in heaven and with you all as you endure this loss.
Carol’s resilience and perseverance are very inspiring.
Jesus’ love is in every feeling, tear, and step forward.
Your love and admiration for your sister make us grateful to God.
In Christ’s love,
Mark and Denise Campoli
Thank you, Mark and Denise, for your comforting words, which are a blessing to me.
Kile
Beautifully written. So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.
Nancy and Mike Franchetti
Thanks, Nancy and Mike, from me and from my family.
My condolences on your loss. What an eloquent and loving tribute.
I have only vestigal memories of Carole; she was older than you and me, thus in a different generation. The latent images I have are of a warm and gladsome personality. Here’s to your memories of her remaining as strong and as positive as they are today.
Thank you so much, Tom, and yes, your images are mine, also!