Carol Ann Chmiel

Early Life and Career

Born on December 18, 1932, in Montclair, New Jersey, Carol, the youngest of 5 children to Bernard and Teresa McManus, was an Honor Roll student at Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, New Jersey. After her father’s passing, and having graduated from Queen of Peace, she moved with her mother and beloved siblings to the “Irish Riviera” - Spring Lake, New Jersey. Forsaking college, she embarked on a career as a copy editor at Hearst Magazines in New York City, a role that reflected her lifelong appreciation for language and grammar.

On April 27, 1957, she married the love of her life, Felix J. Chmiel, at St. Catherine’s Church in Spring Lake. Together, they built a vibrant life in Red Bank, New Jersey, where they raised their six children. They later moved to Tequesta, Florida.

Carol and her family spent Jersey Shore summers in Sea Bright and Spring Lake, eventually summering in Fenwick, Connecticut, starting in the early 1970’s. Following Felix’s passing in 2003, Carol remained in Tequesta for many years before moving to Fenwick full-time, where she enjoyed the last six years of her life.

Faith and Leisure

A woman of unwavering faith, Carol was a devoted member of the Catholic Church. She was a faithful congregant at St. James in Red Bank, St. Jude in Tequesta, and St. John in Old Saybrook. She enjoyed all sports—especially tennis and golf—as well as bridge, biking to church, and staying actively engaged with the world around her. While she also loved her whiskey sours, a roaring fireplace, and late-night games of “Celebrity,” her greatest joy was always found in the time spent with her family.

Fenwick

Fenwick was an extremely important place for Carol. Besides her time there with her husband Felix, she welcomed constant visits from her children and friends. Fenwick also deepened her bond with her grandchildren in ways they will always carry with them.

It was also where her lifelong group of friends, known affectionately as the “THENDS,” gathered for cocktail parties and cookouts on the beach, sharing the kind of friendships that make life special.

And no Fenwick Sunday was complete without Mass at St. John, followed by brunch at Cocotte, which named the “Dee Omelette” after her.

Family Legacy

Above all else, Carol – who was alternately called “Grammie” or “Dee” by her grandchildren – treasured her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Felix.

Her legacy of grace, humor, home-baked blueberry muffins, and 5:00 p.m. cheese and Prosecco lives on through her loving children (and grandchildren!): James (“JC”) Chmiel and his wife, Pam; Richard Chmiel; Robert Chmiel and his wife, Kristin; John (“Tony”) Chmiel; Mary (“Mimi”) Brainard and her husband, Newton; and Paul Chmiel and his wife, Meg.

She was the adoring grandmother and great-grandmother to: Alexander Chmiel, Grace Lonza along with her husband Sebastian, Felix Chmiel, Veronica Chmiel, Lucy Brainard, Paige Chmiel, Luke Chmiel, Kiley Chmiel, Georgia Brainard, Robert (“Beau”) Chmiel, Catherine (“Kate”) Chmiel, Ryan Chmiel, Helen Chmiel, Claire Chmiel, John (“JT”) Chmiel, Braden Chmiel, and her two great grandchildren, Parker Lonza, and Oliver Lonza.

Service Information

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on April 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Roman Catholic Church, 161 Main Street, Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

Carol will be deeply missed by her family and the many friends she made across every chapter of her 93 years.