Carol Ann (Johnson) Vacarelo

     Carol Ann Vacarelo, 84, of Lunenburg, MA passed away Monday, August 5th, 2024 at her home.  She was born September 29, 1939 in Leominster, MA, daughter of Christie and Vina (Sasner) Johnson.  She was raised on Main Street in North Leominster, relished the times she had with her beloved horse, and graduated from Leominster High School in 1956.  

     She spent the 1960s and early 70s doing the important and hard work of raising a family and doing it well.  An excellent student long before the days of grade inflation, Carol then went back to school, became a Licensed Practical Nurse, and enjoyed a three-plus decade career working at Nashoba Hospital in Ayer, MA.  The job that gave her the most satisfaction, however, was that of “Grandma”.

     Although she battled several health issues over the past two decades, the word “complain” did not appear to be in her vocabulary.  She was also an adherent of common sense, where everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not their own facts.  Further, Carol was consistently selfless, never one to put herself first.  In short, she was 90 lbs. of toughness, realism, and decency.  She will be greatly missed but not forgotten.

     She was born the year The Wizard of Oz hit American theaters.  And like the movie, she was a classic.

     Carol was the wife for 61 years of Richard Vacarelo, separated only by his death in 2018.  She looked forward to their reunion.  She is survived by three sons, Joseph Vacarelo and Richard Vacarelo Jr., both of Lunenburg, MA and James Vacarelo and his wife, Judy of Templeton, MA, and four grandchildren, Brett Vacarelo of Millersville, PA, Christopher Vacarelo of Bristol, RI, Gabriella Vacarelo of Greenfield, MA, and Rebekah Vacarelo of Brooklyn, NY.  Carol was also fond of Adam and Ryan Rendon, as she had a role in their lives as well.  She was predeceased by her older brother, Christie A. Johnson Jr.  Finally, she wished to thank her sisters-in-law, Sandra Johnson of Ludlow, VT and Joanne DiPrima of Fitchburg, MA, for their friendship through the years.

     Private family services were held as it was Carol’s  wish to have no planned funeral services or calling hours.