Our beloved Dr. Carol Therese Ancona, born April 21, 1934, aged 87, passed away on August 28, 2021. A long-time resident of Longwood, Florida and recently Winter Park, Florida, she was the daughter of Ethel Geer and Stephen Lynch, who preceded her in death, as did her brothers Ronald Lynch and Stephen Lynch.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Roger Ancona, her daughter Mary O’Donnell and her husband Casey O’Donnell, and her daughter Elizabeth Corddry and her husband David Corddry, along with their children, Ashton Corddry and Tate Corddry.
Carol was born and grew up in Utica, New York, the middle of three children. Carol's mother and father both died when she was quite young and her brother Ron, whom she was close to in age and affection, also passed on much too soon. She often belabored the feeling that her family history set her fate, but as we now know, that was not meant to be her journey. Carol and her older brother, Steve, enjoyed many more years together and she certainly surpassed both her own expectations and those of her doctors by a longshot. She was one tough cookie.
Carol was a life-long educator who greatly enjoyed teaching at the college level and had a passion for all things Dickensian and from the Renaissance. Her passion for education led her to complete her Doctorate in Education on July 27, 1992. She was immensely proud of her doctoral accomplishment and also held a special place in her heart for both her and Roger’s alma mater, Syracuse University. Go Cuse!
Carol loved to travel and explore new places. She often lamented having to “drag” her husband Roger on vacation, only to hear him regaling friends with stories of how wonderful their trips had been. They bickered like champions, but loved each other dearly. They played tennis together, cooked together, and frankly, did almost everything together. “Rog”, as she affectionately referred to him, was always by her side.
Mom adored tradition and had a particular endearment for Christmas. Christmas Eve at the Ancona house was a site to behold! Dad often said it looked like a department store, referring to the excessive holiday decorations and displays. There was always plenty of spaghetti with clams for all the family and friends who wished to partake. Carol would play the piano while we all sang and laughed at our mediocre musicianship. Those traditions and many more will live on with our family and will be passed on to her grandsons, whom she affectionately referred to as her “little loves.” Above all, Carol loved her family and enjoyed nothing more than spending time together.
May your memories of Carol live on and strengthen your appreciation for each day and the blessings life brings.
A Mass of Christian burial for Carol will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 526 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789.
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