Carol Ann Lafferty

Carol Lafferty Scott, San Antonio native and long-time educator, lost her battle with cancer on December 12, 2013. She died at the family home with her brother, Michael Lafferty, and her sister-in-law, Wanda Lafferty, at her side.

Born February 10, 1940, she was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and great aunt, as well as, a faithful friend and mentor to many. After graduating from Incarnate Word High School, she earned her B.A. from Southwest Texas State Teachers College and her Master’s Degree from SMU. Her first teaching assignment was at Highlands High School in San Antonio where she requested and was assigned “remedial” students, known today as Special Ed students. After two years of teaching, she joined the corps of Professional Girl Scouts, seeking again the challenge of a program with maximum positive impact to make a difference in young women’s lives.

Carol returned to teaching after 3 years in Scouting. She taught in the Dallas ISD for over 10 years while living in Shady Shores a few miles south of Denton. The commute became too much, so she moved to Lewisville ISD for a couple of years. When the Colony ISD had an opening, Carol applied for the position because the location was closer to her home. It was a great move for her as she had evolved into an experienced educator who was well received and respected throughout her tenure there.

Among her many volunteer activities, Carol was particularly proud of her association with the National Honor Society at The Colony. After more than 32 years of educating and caring about the young people entrusted to her, Carol decided to retire and pursue the art of traveling, to which she had been introduced by her parents. Before she could really get started, she met and married Steve Scott and moved to his retirement home in New Mexico. They spent five years together before his health began to fail due to Alzheimer’s Disease. Carol dutifully dedicated herself to obtaining the best care available for Steve. After his passing, she was able to pick up where she had started and made some wonderful trips, including one to London, England, for a World Class Flower Show. London was followed by a trip to Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu, a trip she started talking about in 1955. Her last adventure was the Copper Canyon Railroad Tour in Mexico.

Carol is survived by her brother, Michael; his wife, Wanda, who was a loving friend and a dedicated and tireless caretaker during Carol’s last days; nephews Shawn and Darren Lafferty; their spouses; and Carol’s four great nieces, all of whom made many trips to visit her from the time they were able to travel until the weekend before Carol’s death.

The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful and close friends she made in New Mexico: Joyce and Chuck Koramus, Peggy and Steve Baker, Mary and Jack Burris and Carol’s best neighbor, Wally Sanderson, along with Jean Bowers and Laural Winston. Carol’s San Antonio connections include her cousins, Marilyn Shepherd and Rosemary Kissel, her friends, Rich Noll and Diane Abdo, Susan Scales, Gail Barnhart, Trevor and Michelle Borth, Ray Denison, and John and Barbara Denison. Each of these individuals had significant roles during Carol’s last struggle by their visits confirming their friendship, respect, affection and support for Carol.

A funeral Mass will be held for Carol at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 4427 Moana Dr., San Antonio, Texas 78218. At Carol’s request, in lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to your favorite charity or to the Paisano Educational Trust, c/o 331 W. Kings Hwy., San Antonio, Texas 78212.