Carolyn K. Baumann

Carolyn K. Baumann passed away September 8, 2012. She was born May 27, 1925 to Edna Berry and William Kolbe. Her mother told her she was the last home birth in New Rochelle, NY. Carol graduated from Isaac Young High School in New Rochelle. She went on to Vermont Junior College then to Mary Hitchcock School of Nursing in Hanover, New Hampshire graduating in 1949 as a registered nurse. She married Theodore "Ted" Baumann.

Carol worked as a lab tech, then as a nurse in the Nyack Hospital Emergency Room. She worked there part time for 15 years while raising her children. Carol lived in New City, NY for 55 years (1956-2010). Almost 40 years of those years she was a supportive member of the New City Park Lake Association. She was also an active member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in New City from 1956 on. There she was a boutique volunteer, choir member, bible study participant and also helped make Braille bibles.

After nursing, Carol worked as a teachers assistant in St. Paul's Christian Day School and as a roving crossing guard for the Clarkstown school system. She believed, and lived, a life of community involvement. Carol served on the Rockland Council on Alcoholism, delivered Meals on Wheels and worked as an election poll worker.

Carol was an athlete who loved the outdoors. Her children fondly remember many activity filled family trips which included skiing, camping, hiking, sailing and more. Carol was also a skilled gardener who taught her family about healthy eating by growing many of their vegetables and creating healthy dinners she called Carol's Concoctions.

Carol enjoyed the energy of children and maintained a sunny disposition. She had a wonderful sense of humor and wouldn't let her legal blindness or emphysema (from smoking) get her down for any length of time. She just wished she'd quit smoking sooner and tried to encourage others to quit by using herself as an example. Carol was grateful for the programs, assistance and camaraderie provided by the Association for the Visually Impaired and the Meals on Wheels Intergenerational Day Program in Pomona. She was also a member of the Nanuet Lions Club.

To stay more independent, Carol moved to Esther Gitlow Towers in Suffern, NY in 2010. There she joined activities, made friends and encouraged people to laugh as she had her entire life. Carol will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Carol was predeceased by her brother, Capt. William F. Kolbe, Jr.

She is survived by her sister Jean Telling of Maryland, her daughter Anne Baumann and life partner Vicky Guarnieri of Sloatsburg, NY; her son John Baumann and his wife Lynne, and grandchildren Matthew Baumann and Sarah Bishop and great grandchildren Blaine and Bailey Bishop of PA; and son Mark Baumann and his wife Peggy of New City.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 323 S. Main Street, New City, NY 10956 on Saturday September 22nd at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carol's honor to: the Association for the Visually Impaired (AVI), 260 Old Nyack Tpk., Spring Valley, NY 10977 or St. Paul Lutheran Evangelical Church, 323 S. Main Street, New City, NY 10956.