Obituary for Carol MacPhail
Carol M. MacPhail (nee Kennedy), a long time Rutherford resident, passed away on February 10, 2021 at the age of 81after a long, heart-breaking battle with progressive dementia.
Carol was born on October 27, 1939 in North Arlington, New Jersey to Mr. and Mrs. John T. Kennedy Sr. As a student at North Arlington High School, she knew from an early age that she wanted to teach young children. After graduating from NAHS in 1957, she attended Trenton State Teachers College, where she obtained her B.A. in Elementary Education. During her junior year in college, she survived a major bus accident in which ten of her fellow classmates, including the girl sitting behind her, tragically perished.
Despite the trauma she suffered, she continued on with her education, graduating summa cum laude. She was also proud of the editorial work she did at the North Arlington Leader.
After graduating college, she began a career as a first grade teacher in the Kearny Public School system. She met her husband, Mr. Norman MacPhail, a fellow teacher, and they were married in August 1970. After the birth of their first child, Kent, she made the decision to leave the teaching profession and devote her time to raising and caring for her family.
Carol was a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of America, serving as a leader, volunteer and as a staff member at the council office. She was also a member of the Rutherford Congregational Church for more than forty-five years. Her fellow church members became some of her closest friends, and she and Norman spent countless hours supporting various church projects. A lifelong music lover, she also participated in the church choir.
Carol was a kind, loving, patient soul. Her core guiding mission throughout her life was caring for others. She consistently put the needs of her family before her own. She especially loved children, and was over the moon when her grandchildren Abram and Willa were born. Even when the dementia took away many of her memories, she would always have a smile for a child.
Carol is predeceased by her husband of forty-five years, Mr. Norman J. MacPhail. She is also predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John T. Kennedy of North Arlington.
She is survived by her son, Mr. Kent MacPhail and his partner, Ms. Sue Bischoff of Wood-Ridge,, and her daughter, Ms. Lauren MacPhail and her husband, Mr. Ben Cowles, of Wethersfield, Connecticut.. Her memory lives on in her grandchildren, Abram and Willa Cowles. Carol is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John T. Kennedy Jr. of Willows, California. Despite the many miles between them, she dearly loved her nieces and nephews, Karen, Lorraine, John, Kathryn, Mitchell and Andrew and their spouses and children.
The family also wishes to express sincere thanks to Ms. Nannet Brown, her tireless caregiver and companion. She was a source of comfort in a world that became scary as her illness progressed. In addition, the family thanks Mr. Ken Taylor and Ms. Barbara Dolan, who were lifelong friends. Carol’s family is comforted by the knowledge that her mind and spirit are now at peace.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, funeral arrangements will be private. To celebrate Carol’s life, please consider making a donation of school supplies to a local elementary school or donating to Alzheimer’s research.
Carol was born on October 27, 1939 in North Arlington, New Jersey to Mr. and Mrs. John T. Kennedy Sr. As a student at North Arlington High School, she knew from an early age that she wanted to teach young children. After graduating from NAHS in 1957, she attended Trenton State Teachers College, where she obtained her B.A. in Elementary Education. During her junior year in college, she survived a major bus accident in which ten of her fellow classmates, including the girl sitting behind her, tragically perished.
Despite the trauma she suffered, she continued on with her education, graduating summa cum laude. She was also proud of the editorial work she did at the North Arlington Leader.
After graduating college, she began a career as a first grade teacher in the Kearny Public School system. She met her husband, Mr. Norman MacPhail, a fellow teacher, and they were married in August 1970. After the birth of their first child, Kent, she made the decision to leave the teaching profession and devote her time to raising and caring for her family.
Carol was a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of America, serving as a leader, volunteer and as a staff member at the council office. She was also a member of the Rutherford Congregational Church for more than forty-five years. Her fellow church members became some of her closest friends, and she and Norman spent countless hours supporting various church projects. A lifelong music lover, she also participated in the church choir.
Carol was a kind, loving, patient soul. Her core guiding mission throughout her life was caring for others. She consistently put the needs of her family before her own. She especially loved children, and was over the moon when her grandchildren Abram and Willa were born. Even when the dementia took away many of her memories, she would always have a smile for a child.
Carol is predeceased by her husband of forty-five years, Mr. Norman J. MacPhail. She is also predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John T. Kennedy of North Arlington.
She is survived by her son, Mr. Kent MacPhail and his partner, Ms. Sue Bischoff of Wood-Ridge,, and her daughter, Ms. Lauren MacPhail and her husband, Mr. Ben Cowles, of Wethersfield, Connecticut.. Her memory lives on in her grandchildren, Abram and Willa Cowles. Carol is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John T. Kennedy Jr. of Willows, California. Despite the many miles between them, she dearly loved her nieces and nephews, Karen, Lorraine, John, Kathryn, Mitchell and Andrew and their spouses and children.
The family also wishes to express sincere thanks to Ms. Nannet Brown, her tireless caregiver and companion. She was a source of comfort in a world that became scary as her illness progressed. In addition, the family thanks Mr. Ken Taylor and Ms. Barbara Dolan, who were lifelong friends. Carol’s family is comforted by the knowledge that her mind and spirit are now at peace.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, funeral arrangements will be private. To celebrate Carol’s life, please consider making a donation of school supplies to a local elementary school or donating to Alzheimer’s research.