OXFORD – Carole A. (Curry) McRell, 68, formerly of Port Charlotte, FL, died Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at UMass University Campus Hospital after a period of declining health. Her husband of 37 years, Robert M. McRell, predeceased her in 2018. They are now reunited in eternal peace.
Carole leaves her three loving children: Colleen A. Charpentier and her husband Michael of Doylestown, PA; Robert J. McRell and his fiancée Hilary Otto of North Port, FL; and Maureen M. Terhaar and her husband Brian of Shrewsbury; and her treasured granddaughter, Kadence McRell. She is also survived by two brothers; William Curry of Putnam, CT, and Michael Curry and his wife Linda of Rehobeth; as well as a sister, Margaret Grant and her husband James of Fresno, CA. She will be greatly missed by many dear nieces and nephews, and close friends including Jane Terhaar of Shrewsbury, Jimmy Beland of Oxford, sister-in-law Kathy Janda and her husband Brian of Clinton, and brother-in-law Mike McRell of Ayer. She was preceded in death by her sisters Diane Govoni and Kathleen Curry.
She was born September 21, 1957 in Northbridge, and was a daughter of the late Francis W. and Dorothy E. “Pat” (Degnan) Curry. She graduated in 1976 from South High School in Worcester.
Her career began as a loving day-care provider in her own home, followed by roles as a CNA at Sandalwood Nursing Home in Oxford and The Overlook Masonic Home in Charlton, where she cared for residents with warmth and compassion. She later worked in the billing department and the money room at Mass Transport/AMSA in Marlborough, in customer service at MAPRE in Webster, and as an administrative assistant at the Dudley Town Hall. She retired in 2016.
Carole was an extremely supportive friend of Bill W. for almost 49 years. She attended numerous AA meetings and sponsored many individuals who needed her. Carole and her late husband Bob were a blessing to those seeking recovery.
Her passions included music, socializing, a good cup of coffee, trips to the casino, and camping with her husband up and down the East Coast. Carole’s heart was especially drawn to animals, and she lovingly rescued stray cats and worked to find them safe homes. She could light up a room with her humor, smile, and laughter. She genuinely loved life, cracking jokes, spending time with her kids, and dancing whenever there was a tune to groove to. She shared a special bond with her nephew, Matthew A. Pavini, and her friend, Maria Marrero, who cared for her for quite some time prior to her passing.
A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 27 at 11:00 AM in Saint Anthony of Padua Church, 24 Dudley Hill Road, Dudley. Burial will follow in Saint Anthony Cemetery, Webster. Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 26, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, Webster. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carole’s memory to the Community Cat Connection, 289 Thompson Road, Webster, MA 01570. www.websterfunerals.com