Obituary of Carol Walker

Carol R. Walker passed away after a short battle with cancer on October 14, 2024, with her family by her side. Carol is survived by her three children Mary Stickley; Jerry Walker, spouse, Sheila; and Karen Spencer, spouse, Matt. She was a constant, loving presence in their lives. As a single mom, she raised her children to be independent but always emphasized the importance of kindness and thankfulness.

Carol was born on May 6, 1943, the oldest daughter of Elizabeth and Gerard DeFiglio, Sr. She is survived by her two brothers, Thomas DeFiglio, spouse, Kathy; and Gerard DeFiglio, spouse, Beth, their two daughters Katherine DeFiglio, spouse, Andrew Nauss; and Kristine DeFiglio.

Carol had 6 grandchildren who were her pride and joy, Elizabeth Stickley, Gustav Stickley, Sydney Spencer, Jack Spencer, Lyndsey Walker, and Abagail Walker. She was affectionately known by many as Grammie Carol or Grandma Walker because of her kind and nurturing nature. Her grandchildren and their college friends eagerly anticipated the arrival of her goodie packages.

Carol grew up in the Italian section of Poughkeepsie, graduated from Poughkeepsie High School, and made many lifelong friends. She worked for the New York Telephone Company and the secretarial pool at Dutchess County Boces before she moved onto Dutchess Community College where she retired after 25 years of service. Carol continued her career in clerical support at Marist College, volunteered at Vassar Brothers Hospital, and returned to DCC working in the Continuing Education Program.

Carol enjoyed being with her family. She regularly spent her Sundays with her son, Jerry and daughter-in-law, Sheila. She thoroughly enjoyed a “burnt” hot dog from the grill, whether made by her son or her son-in-law, Matt. She had a green thumb and knew all there was about flowers. She loved the ocean and made many trips to Cape Cod to help her daughter, Mary, with the spring window boxes. Carol and her daughter, Karen, had countless adventures together, partners in travel; food and movie critics; and many a day in search of the best shopping deal, usually for a pair of white sneakers. Carol loved reading and getting breakfast at The Diner with her brothers and dear friends. She was a meatball master and eggplant parmesan extraordinaire. At gatherings people would ask “where are the meatballs?” and they were always the first to go.

Carol was a caring and loving person who wore many hats as Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin, and always a Friend. She filled many people with incredible joy. Our hearts are heavy with sadness at her passing, and she will be greatly missed.

Services will be held at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY. Visitation will be November 8, 2024, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.  A Funeral Mass will be held at The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 95 Mill St., Poughkeepsie, NY on Saturday November 9, 2024, at 10:00am.