Carol Ann Ladd

Growing up on Long Island, NY, Carol was the apple of her mother Margaret’s eye. As a youth she was sociable, caring and a nurturing older sister to her brother Roger and sisters, Irene and Terry. In high school, Carol was a strong student, multi-sport athlete, active in extracurriculars, a student leader, and a beauty queen. Between her charisma, intelligence and height of five foot eleven inches, Carol stood out in a crowd in every positive way.

Carol went on to attend Oswego State University where she majored in elementary education. She was active in her sorority, clubs and sports. Most significantly, Carol met her future husband George Ladd at Oswego State and they remained together ever since. After college graduation, Carol worked as an elementary school teacher in Phoenix, NY and then accompanied her husband to Indiana where she was hired to teach in a public school outside of Bloomington.

In the late sixties, Carol and George moved to Natick, MA, where they raised their three sons. In addition to being a dedicated and loving Mom, Carol volunteered in the community. She was one of the original volunteers and board members at the Natick Community Farm and a longtime volunteer with DIAL HELP, a hotline serving community members in mental health crises. Her many volunteer experiences motivated Carol to expand her education and embark in a career as a professional counselor. She earned two Master’s degrees from Boston College and earned her credentials as a licensed clinical social worker. Carol worked for many years as a psychotherapist with the Catholic Charities Organization in Framingham, MA and later opened her own successful practice on Union Street in Framingham.

Carol was a loving mother to her three boys, always dedicated to supporting their happiness and cheering them on as they each pursued their adventures. She continued that enthusiasm with her five precious grandchildren as they participated in exciting sports, activities and adventures of their own. She cherished spending time at the Lake House that she built with the love of her life, her husband George. Carol and George were the informal socialites of Queen lake with their dockside hangouts, twilight boat cruises and dinner parties.

Carol was the kin-keeper to her family and the magnet amongst her network of friends. She organized holidays get-togethers and social events. She was the light in any room with her positive energy, smiles and laughter. Carol was a talented cook always entertaining with food; delicious Italian dishes, cakes, pies and treats. Carol was dedicated to the deep friendships she developed over her lifetime and was the epitome of a loyal friend. Moreover, Carol was in tune to the needs of others and always extended a helping hand to friends and neighbors.

In recent years Carol was burdened by dementia but was lovingly cared for until her death by her devoted husband George and the wonderful staff at The Branches of Framingham. Carol is predeceased by her mom Margaret Del Percio, father Frank Ferrara, brother Roger Del Percio and niece Bianca Piemonte. Carol’s legacy is sustained by her loving husband of 61 years, George Sr., their three sons, GT with wife Lisa, Greg with wife Barrett and John; and their five treasured grandchildren; Cameron, George III, Connor, Megan and Taylor. Her sisters Irene Del Percio and Terry Del Percio-Piemonte with husband David Piemonte, four nieces and three nephews.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of Carol’s Life on March 2nd at the Marlborough Country Club (200 Concord Road, Marlborough, MA.) starting at 11:30am with celebratory remarks by family followed by food and socializing, concluding at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to “A Place to Turn” Food Pantry (99 Hartford St. Natick, MA 01760). www.aplacetoturn-natick.org/donate