Obituary: Carol Anne Crean, 84, of Naugatuck

Obituary courtesy of Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home

Carol A. Crean Obituary

Naugatuck-Carol Anne Crean, 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025. Born on November 28, 1940, in Bronxville, NY, Carol was the daughter of the late William and Alice (Brown) Gerard and was raised in Naugatuck.

A graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Carol pursued her passion for caring and graduated from St. Mary's School of Nursing. This marked the beginning of her dedicated 59-year career as a registered nurse. Carol served her community in various capacities, starting at St. Mary's Hospital. She then transitioned to occupational health, working for many years as a plant nurse at Sherwood Medical in Waterbury and later at Superior Electric in Bristol. She concluded her career as a school nurse, first in the Plymouth school district and then in the Watertown district at Polk School.

Carol's life was a testament to her boundless capacity for love and compassion. She profoundly impacted countless lives with her acts of kindness and unwavering support. Whether it was providing transportation to medical appointments, delivering groceries, offering comfort to the sick or homebound, or simply being a steadfast friend, Carol was always ready to lend a helping hand. She had an innate ability to see the good in everyone and approached life with optimism and grace.

Family was the cornerstone of Carol's world. She cherished family gatherings, holidays, cookouts, and any occasion that brought her loved ones together. Her grandchildren, Ryan and Rachel, held a special place in her heart, and she took immense pride in their accomplishments. She had fond memories of the destination-less drives she would take with her sister, Jean. Carol also treasured her friendships, particularly with Betty and Lynn. An avid bird enthusiast, Carol found joy in feeding and observing the birds that frequented her home. She often visited Birdseye Pier in Stratford to admire all the various species. She especially loved swans and eagles.

Carol will be deeply missed by her son, Bob Kindulas, and his wife, Melinda, of Watertown; her grandson, Ryan Kindulas, and his wife, Kaitlyn, of Cromwell; her granddaughter, Rachel Fasulo, and her husband, Andrew, of Thomaston. She is also survived by her sister, Jean Comstock of Hubert, NC; her nieces, Maureen Poirier (Robert) of Jacksonville, NC, Joanne LaRose of Hubert, NC, and Mary Lou LaRose of Drumright, OK; her great-nieces and great-nephew, Tania, Alicea, Cassie, Angela, and Randy; and seven great-great-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, as well as, her infant son, Richard Michael Kindulas.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday February 22, 2025 at 9:15 a.m. from the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck, to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church Street, Naugatuck, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5-8 pm. at the funeral home. To send an on-line condolence or share a memory, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.co...