Born on October 6, 1939, in Syracuse, New York, to the late Arthur and Irene O’Brien, she was raised in Syracuse and graduated from Assumption Catholic Academy High School there in 1957.
Carolyn married Joseph R Bell on September 16, 1961, in Syracuse. Joseph preceded her in death on August 20, 2020.
Carolyn was employed by several credit unions around the Syracuse area, eventually retiring as Manager of East Syracuse Minoa (ESM-FCU) Teacher’s Federal Credit Union in December 1999. During her 20-year tenure, ESM-FCU grew from a single office within ESM High School to two Branch Offices occupying their own separate buildings.
She spent her retirement summers on the St. Lawrence River in Alexandria Bay, New York, and her winters in Lake Wales and then Sun City Center, Florida.
During retirement, Carolyn volunteered for 15+ years with the Sun City Center Rescue Squad, becoming a certified Emergency Responder.
Retirement was also spent playing Mahjongg and cards with friends, most recently at Freedom Plaza Retirement Community in Sun City Center.
Carolyn is survived by son, Jeffrey of Indianapolis, Indiana and sister, Rita (Vincent) Stala of Liverpool, New York. In addition to husband Joseph, she was preceded in death by son Michael in 2021, daughter Linda in 1962, and brothers Daniel O’Brien (2022), James O’Brien (1994) and Patrick O’Brien (1981).
A memorial mass and service will be held in the Spring of 2024 in Syracuse, New York. Details will be provided later.
Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home in Brandon, Florida is in care of arrangements.
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