Carol Nicol O'Brien

Carol Ann Nicol O’Brien was born on March 10, 1939, to Alexander (Red) & Catherine (Dowling) Nicol. Born and raised in The Bronx (NYC), Carol spent countless days enjoying life with her close family nearby. In 1956, age 17, Carol entered the Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hunter College (1969) and a Masters in Nursing Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University (1973). Her prestigious 50-year career included leadership positions where Carol made significant and lasting contributions to patient care and the practice of nursing as a Nursing Administrator of OB/GYN Nursing at the Hospital of Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Associate Director of Nursing in Maternal-Child Health Nursing at The Mount Sinai Medical Center.

On May 22, 1992, Carol married Michael Ginnivan (Haulie) O’Brien of Ardrahan, Galbally, Co. Limerick, Ireland. Together they spent time in both Galbally and Yonkers, NY. In this union, Carol became an instant Grandmother, a role in which she loved. Although Carol did not have children of her own, there were many Godchildren, Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins that she doted on and loved dearly. Upon Haulie’s death in 2003 Carol moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In Florida, Carol made countless friends and was an active retiree, volunteering with her church, the Fort Lauderdale Film Society (earning a Most Valued Volunteer badge), the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and with her local AARP chapter. Most notably, during her retirement, Carol was instrumental in obtaining a grant of 150K dollars for the first daycare center in Galbally, Ireland.

Carol was predeceased by the love of her life Michael (Haulie) O’Brien, her parents Alexander (Red) Nicol and Catherine (Dowling) Nicol. Her brother Richard (Dick) Nicol and his wife Gail and brother Walter Nicol. Carol is survived by her cousins Larry & Nancy James, Lorraine (usually referred to as her sister) & Edward Finn, Phillip & Betty Olsen, Maureen Olsen, Robert & Susan Dowling, Peter (deceased) & Mary Dowling, and Sister-in-law Virginia Nicol. Carol was also survived by Lauren & Michael Shields, Tracey & John Murphy, Terence & Molly Nicol, Mark & Theresa Nicol, Maureen & Lee Blair, Cathy James, Richard & Trina James, Keith James (deceased), Stephanie Battista, Kenneth and Joseph Ruszkowski. As well as her grandchildren Michael, Jane, Aine, Daniel, David, Garrett and Jamie Henebry. Carol was also friends with many neighbors in both her Galbally Community and the Le Cotillion Community.

In Lieu of flowers we ask you to donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Carol’s memory.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 (one day shy of Carol's 83rd birthday) from 10:00 - Noon at the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Carol's funeral service will commence on 1:00 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

Carol wished to be cremated and the inurnment of her ashes will occur in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, New York at a later date.

Carol was an inspiration to everyone with her optimism, wit and her boundless energy. She will be remembered for her contagious laugh, great hugs, and her love for her friends and family. Never shy of an opinion, you always knew where you stood with her and how much she loved you.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraeerfairchild.com for the O'Brien family.