Born in Jersey City, NJ on December 7, 1933, she was the daughter of Helen (Steinmetz) and John McGuire. Carol spent most of her childhood in North Bergen and Jersey City. She graduated from St. Anne's grammar school and Dickenson High School in Jersey City.
Carol married James McGivney on May 14, 1955, and together they raised six children. After divorcing James, Carol married Ralph LaFrada on July 21, 1979. They remained married until Ralph's passing on June 5, 1991.
Carol worked for 40 plus years as a secretary, beginning her career at Hudson County National Bank. She then moved on to Colgate Palmolive at Exchange Plaza in Jersey City. Other places of employment were Beneficial Finance in Morristown and CNA Insurance in Parsippany from which she retired in 1997.
Carol said that she was given her name because they were singing Christmas carols in the halls at the hospital. Her middle name, Bernadette, was because St. Bernadette had just been canonized.
Carol was an active member of her community in Sandyston and even received Senior of the Year. She was active in 4 senior clubs and served as president of the Sandyston Seniors for 12 years while also coordinating and running trips for the Travel'n Seniors group. Carol also taught Healthy Bones classes and assisted fellow seniors with tax preparation for several years while volunteering with Senior Services. In addition to her numerous community contributions, Carol was an active member of the Red Hat Society for many years. Upon retirement Carol was able to travel and especially loved taking river cruises with her friends. Family gatherings, backyard parties, and holidays brought Carol the most joy as she was able to spend treasured time with all her family.
Carol is survived by her six children and their spouses: Maureen Drake (Ed), Bill McGivney, Pat Coogan (Tom), Jim McGivney (Maria), Bob McGivney (Teresa) and Sharon Giordano (Rich). She had six grandchildren and their spouses: Chris (Laurie), Patrick (Michaela), Jessica (Matt), Jenna (Dan), Jimi (Kristen) and Kristin. In addition, she had 8 step-grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Kathleen Stirrat; her granddaughter-in-law, Jenn Drake; and 2 sisters-in-law, Francis McGuire and Catherine Giles.
She was predeceased by her parents, Helen & John; her husband, Ralph LaFrada; her first husband, James McGivney; her brother, John (Jack) McGuire; and her grandson, Brian Drake.
Carol had resided in Sandyston for over 20 years before moving to Newton for 5 years. Most recently Carol happily resided at Bentley Assisted Living in Branchville NJ for the past year and a half.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 10 am to 12 pm on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street in Newton, NJ 07860.
A private graveside service for immediate family will follow.
Warm memories and condolences to Carol’s family may be offered below.
