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Carol Louise (Britton) Pellegrine, of Homosassa passed away on October 16, 2016 after her fourth courageous battle with cancer. Carol was born on January 23, 1937 in Valley Stream, New York, the daughter of Ethel Alice (Rosenkrantz) and Albert Edward Britton. She grew up in Dobbs Ferry and White Plains, New York, graduating from Dobbs Ferry High School in 1955 and Wells College in 1959. A brief career in the insurance industry took her to Connecticut, where she eventually decided to become certified as a teacher. As a first year elementary school teacher in Cromwell, Connecticut she met Richard Pellegrine who was taken by her "perky" personality. They married in 1963 and in 1964 moved to Mansfield, Connecticut which would be their hometown for the next 48 years.
After taking time to raise her three children, Carol went back to work as a teacher's aide and later went on to earn her Master's Degree in Education (as a reading specialist) from Eastern Connecticut State University. After earning her Master's, Carol was hired by Coventry (CT) public schools working at Nathan Hale Middle School as a Title 1 teacher until her retirement in 1998. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Carol served as the building representative for the teachers' union.
In her 48 years in Mansfield, Carol lived out her commitment to public service in many different ways; as a leader of the Eagleville Fire Department Ladies' Auxiliary, a member of the Southeast Elementary PTO, town soccer coach, Head Election Moderator, Republican Town Committee chairperson, various committees at the Storrs Congregational Church, and fundraising committee chairperson and program manager for the Windham Theatre Guild. Carol also held elected office serving as a long-time member and chairperson of the Mansfield Zoning Board of Appeals as well as serving as Judge of Probate and a long-time Justice of the Peace. She was also a leader of the Town of Mansfield's Charter Revision Committee.
When not teaching or serving, both Carol and Dick enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, reading, golfing and traveling. Some of their favorite places were Gananoque, Canada and Wells Beach, Maine where they spent many summer vacations with their children (and later grandchildren). Other favorite trips were a 6 week drive across the US with their children and Carol's mother in 1979, as well as trips to the Soviet Union, the Swiss Alps, Greece, the Rocky Mountains, and Alaska. When not "on-the-go" Carol was an avid UCONN Women's Basketball fan.
After Dick's death in 2012, Carol moved to Homosassa, Florida to be closer to her grandchildren and began serving in her new hometown through the Friends of the Homosassa Library, The Riverhaven Village Garden Club, the Riverhaven Village By-Laws Committee, the Sugar Mill Chorale, volunteering at the Citrus Memorial Hospital Walk-In Clinic, and as a Citrus County Election official.
Carol Pellegrine is survived by her sister Betty Vinton of Delaware, her three children Cliff (Ann) of Forest Park, Georgia, daughters Deb Dioguardi (Glenn) of Castle Rock, CO and Pam Pellegrine of Coventry, Connecticut. She is also survived by her three beloved grandchildren; Shane Pellegrine, Amanda and Gillian Dioguardi. Carol is pre-deceased by her sister, Audrey Britton.
A memorial service celebrating Carol's life will be held Sunday, October 23 at 2 pm at First United Methodist Church of Homosassa, 8831 W. Bradshaw Street, Homosassa. The family is also planning a celebration of Carol's life in Connecticut in early 2017. In memory of Carol's lifetime of service, the family asks that donations be made to one of the many organizations Carol supported: the Friends of the Homosassa Library, the RIverhaven Village Garden Club's Scholarship Fund, the Richard Pellegrine Scholarship (Coventry Dollars for Scholars Program, 78 Ripley Hill Road, Coventry, CT 06238), or the Windham Theatre Guild (P.O. Box 802, Willimantic, CT 06226). Words of condolence may be written at www.wilderfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 30, 2016
Dears Pam, Cliff, and Deb, We have special memories of your mother (and your father); she was so vibrant, so sincere, so willing and energized when we knew her. She passed that along to you! Please accept our deepest sympathy to you and yours. Julie, Carl, David, and Stephen Lindquist
October 26, 2016
Eric Ouellette
Pam, Debbie and Cliff - So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom! She was a wonderful, strong and giving person and made a positive impression on all the lives she touched!
October 21, 2016
Pam and Dick Roberts
To Pam, Cliff and Debbie, I wanted to send our thoughts and prayers on the loss of your Mom, how often we think of the contributions you and your family made in the success of the Windham Theatre and in this Storrs Mansfield community. I will think of your Mom and Dad as we enter the new season of Women's Basketball and am so happy to have gotten a hug from Carol at tournament games. Hugs and love from the Storrs Congregational Church Roberts.
October 20, 2016
Dear Pam and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Carol's passing. We were grateful to have spent some time with her at the last show at the Windham Theatre Guild. Her wonderful spirit shined through, even though she was so near the end. We will always remember her with fondness.
Nora and Steven Stein (Mansfield Center)
October 20, 2016
Naomi Sachs
Carol was a wonderful woman - she really did have a "perky" personality, and was always warm and loving. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
October 20, 2016
Betsy Paterson
To Carol's family,
I am sorry for your loss. Carol (and Dick) were active, contributing members of the Mansfield community for so many years, serving in so many roles over the years. The world would be a better place if people gave back to their communities as much as she did.
October 19, 2016
Jon Hand
Very sorry to hear of Carol's passing...Wishing you all strength and perspective during this most difficult time.
October 19, 2016
Patricia Tanaka
Dear Pam, Cliff & Deb, My sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Carol. She and your dad were both such great people. She will be missed.
Patty Tanaka (Storrs)
October 19, 2016
Ernie & Elsie Herrick
To Pam & Family
We are very sorry for your loss. We knew both your Mom & Dad for many years. She will be missed by all who knew her.
October 19, 2016
Sara Frankel-Bermel
To Cliff and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss! Your mom was amazing! May your many wonderful memories of her be a blessing.
October 19, 2016
Marion Hale Baker
I was a friend of Carol at Dobbs Ferry High School and I appreciate this notification of her death. What a busy and involved life she had. I'll always remember her as a high school girl. We had a great time at slumber parties and ball games. We took all our classes together. I caught up with her at several class reunions. I'm happy to know about her post high school life and her devoted family.
October 19, 2016
Susan Mutschler and Renee' Thompson
Dear Pam, Deb, Cliff and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your mother Carol. The Homosassa Public Library staff will surely miss Carol. She was always volunteering her time at the library and would visit with us. Carol was such an amazing woman who truly cared about making a difference in her community. Carol and her efforts will always be remembered. May you all find peace in knowing that she was treasured by many.
October 19, 2016
Kathy Krieger
Carol, so glad we met in April 2014 on Carl's trip to Swiss Alps! So enjoyed our time together and stayed connected. The world is a sadder place with your passing! Your travelling friend, Kathy
October 19, 2016
Wil Duchesneau
Dear Cliff, Pam and Deb I was sorry to read of your mother's passing. Made me reflect on my long time friendship with both your parents. I hope you enjoyed many happy hours with her after her move to Florida. She was a dedicated educator and a person who stood for fairness and what was right. She, like your father, spent her life in service to others. My thoughts are with you.
Wil Duchesneau CHS
October 19, 2016
Annetta Miller
Pam: Josh and I were sad to learn that you lost your mom this week. All the SCC members who knew them have wonderful memories of both your parents. Sending our love to you and to your family. Your neighbors, Annetta and Josh
October 19, 2016
Sheryl Lohman (Thompson)
Sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences during this difficult time.
October 19, 2016
Carl Fowler
All our love! Carol and Dick were not only wonderful customers of Rail Travel Center/Rail Travel Adventures, but much more importantly real friends. Both faced adversity with remarkable humor and courage and my wife and I miss them deeply. Great company and real friends!
Carl and Dixie Fowler
October 19, 2016
Doryann Plante
Carol was a great role model for me. You should be real proud of the person your Mom was. She will be sadly missed. So sorry for your loss.
October 19, 2016
Beth Ann Slater
Your mom and I were friends for years, and I have many fond memories of she and also your dad. Prayers said for her family and all who also loved her. God Bless!
October 19, 2016
Barbara Williams
Pam: I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know what a special Mom you had and I am sure you are left with wonderful memories. Barbara Williams
October 19, 2016
Rachel Greenwood (Millette)
Cliff, Pam, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family was a big part of my life growing up. She will be missed.
October 19, 2016
Connie
May the God of comfort be with you at this time
October 19, 2016
Staff of Wilder Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
October 19, 2016
Staff of Wilder Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
October 18, 2016
Jocelyn DeMaio
Carol was an outstanding volunteer with so many organizations but I am most familiar with her work at The Windham Theatre Guild. There, she worked fundraising, selling tickets, ushering, selling ads, creating program books and so much more. She was a beautiful woman with a big heart. My condolences to Pam and other family.
October 18, 2016
Mark and Michele Gagne
So sorry for your loss, she will be very missed.
October 18, 2016
Regina Chatelg
Oh, no! Carol was such a wonderful friend and role model for the rest of us. Carol and Dick were a wonderful couple who enriched our lives with their humor, love and graciousness. She epitomized the meaning of friendship. We will miss her greatly.
October 18, 2016
I'm inspired just reading of all the many self-giving roles that Carol took on. I know first hand her "giving" nature lives on in the one child of Carol's that I know, Deb. Although it is always tough to say good bye, the celebration part should come easy. Paul & Ginah Butler
October 18, 2016
I have had you in my thoughts and prayers, it's so hard when you lose a loved one. God bless you
October 18, 2016
Meg Malmborg
Carol's legacy is alive in her children and grandchildren. Her daughter, Pamela, shares many of Carol's great qualities - thoughtful, caring, love of theater, and always placing family first. Hope they are comforted knowing that Carol's presence will remain with them for all of their lives. May she rest in peace.
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