Carol H. Albee, 80, was a remarkable and unique individual. She passed away unexpectedly on October 2nd, 2023, in Hot Springs, AR. Carol is survived by her husband, Frank E. Albee of Hot Springs, AR, her two children, Amity (and Kevin) Carriere and Nathan (and Paula) Albee of Austin, TX and her four grandchildren, Lydia Camille Carriere and Addison Carriere, Luna Albee and Noah Albee of Austin, TX. She is also survived by her two sisters, Hollace Beard-Hunting of Little Rock, AR, and Jill Hunting of Pasadena, CA, along with many other loving nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
On December 5, 1942, Carol was born to Allan and Mary Hunting in New Haven, CT. She spent her early childhood on Round Hill, which instilled in her a sense of adventure and love of nature and beauty. Later her family moved to the Chicago area and then to Dexter, MO, where she graduated high school as Valedictorian and met the love of her life. She attended Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, and the University of Missouri in St. Louis, earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. Later in life, Carol returned to UMSL to obtain a master’s degree in counseling at age 50.
She was a lifelong learner, valued education and relished the opportunity to share what she learned with clients, friends, and family members. Carol also believed that traveling and immersing oneself in different cultures was equivalent to a college education, so she traveled the world to many places including Northern and Southern Europe, South Korea, Japan, South and Central America, India, Australia, New Zealand, the Galapagos Islands and most of the states in the US, including many of the nation’s National Parks.
Carol married Frank Albee on August 17th, 1965, and settled in St. Louis, MO, raising her family and cultivating many meaningful friendships. She loved playing the piano and listening to classical music. Professionally, she taught preschool, was an active member of the League of Women Voters, fought tirelessly for the Equal Rights Amendment, and served as a member of the Community Housing Board. She also advanced her interest in the healing arts by studying Touch for Health, Reiki energy healing, and Brain Gym.
After finding her dream home in Hot Springs, AR, she and Frank retired in 1995 and moved to Lake Hamilton, where she became an ardent gardener and explored her artistic talents, including Ikebana and Sumi-e, the Japanese arts of flower arranging and watercolor painting. Carol was a member of the Creative Life Church and later a devotee of Amma, the hugging saint. She served on the board of Arkansas Hospice, was an avid supporter of the Jackson House, volunteered with the Threshold Singers of Hot Springs, and thoroughly enjoyed her membership at Garvin Gardens. Carol derived much joy from serving others and changed many people’s lives through her work as a Touch for Health practitioner, Brain Gym instructor, private counselor, life coach and spiritual healer.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony is planned for October 14th, 2023, at Gross Funeral Home. The reception will be held at 1:00 pm with a service to follow at 2:00 pm. Flowers are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Arkansas Hospice Foundation in Carol H. Albee’s name @ arkansashospice.org.
