Mary Carol Fay, a joyful, funny, and vibrant presence to all who knew her, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on February 12th, 2026. She now joins her beloved husband, Frank; her parents, Norman and Mary (Donnelly) Rose; and her siblings Kenneth Rose, Norma Shelly, Patsy Kirrane, Alfred Rose, and Ellie Frazier.
Carol grew up in Brookline on Jamaica Road and worked at John Hancock for several years. She met Frank, a firefighter with the Brookline Fire Department, and it was love at first sight. They married and settled in Newton, where they raised their three children: Michael Fay (Jeannie), Sandy Cameron (Dennis), and Ken Fay (Andrea).
Carol was an extraordinary and loving Nana to Christopher Fay, Michele Fay, the late Colin Cameron, Ryan Cameron, Molly McHugh, and Briana Fay, and a proud great-grandmother to Janessa and Tyler Fay.
Known for her quick wit and love of a good party, Carol was always ready with a joke and cherished her many friendships.
In her later years, Carol lived at Fox Hill Village, where she made many new friends and enthusiastically participated in every activity she could. She rarely missed a bus for a field trip and proudly served on the welcoming committee for several years. Her final four years were spent at White Oaks Cottages Memory Care, where she was lovingly cared for by the wonderful staff and formed special friendships with Burr and Fred. In her final days, Carol was gently nurtured by her devoted hospice nurse, Nicole.
Her joy, humor, and love of life will be remembered always.
A visitation will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave, Needham on Friday, Feb. 20 from 8:30-9:30am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Needham at 10:00am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Needham.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in Mary’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada St, #201, Newton, MA 02460.