Carol Ann Hartsoe
December 1, 1941 – March 29, 2023
On Dec 1, 1941, George and Helen Hanscom of Boston, brought their daughter Carol Ann into the world and a new ray of sunshine was lit.
For over 20 years, Carol shared this life with her beloved life partner, soulmate, and husband Paul. She is survived by Paul, her siblings George (Dottie), John (Mickie), and Mary (Tony), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Once Carol graduated from high school, she chose to enter the convent where she became an educator. She continued to bless children with her teaching skills for 12 years in parochial schools including Philadelphia and Tybee Island before leaving the convent and coming to Richmond. In Richmond, she began teaching elementary students at St. Bridgett’s Catholic School. Later, an opportunity opened in Richmond City Public Schools where she taught at several schools until settling in at Maymont Elementary where she served as the school librarian for several years.
Retiring in 2009, she dedicated 40 years to education. She enjoyed so many experiences in her life, including reading, listening to live music, and spending time at the beach. She especially loved to travel with Paul on their motorcycle. She once was heard to say, “I never knew I had a passion until I put my foot on a peg of a motorcycle.” She and Paul traveled extensively on their bike. During their travels, they loved meeting all kinds of people, some of whom became lifelong friends. Before long, Carol and Paul opened a motorcycle rental business—- a great way to immerse themselves in their passion and make even more friends! When Carol would provide customers with required information about using the bike they were renting, it was common for them to initially not want to listen to her because they “know all about motorcycles,” then afterward say they had learned all sorts of useful tips from her!
After retiring from the motorcycle travel industry, Carol spent the next nine years battling cancer and the effects of cancer treatment. On Wednesday, March 22 Carol lost her battle when she had a catastrophic cardiac event caused by major respiratory distress. Paul and Tyler were able to hold her hands while she slipped away a week later around 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29.
The family would like to thank all the friends and medical professionals who helped during those difficult years. Carol’s kindness, sense of humor, smile, and heart touched everyone who was lucky enough to know her.
The family will receive guests from 2 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 8 at Affinity Funeral Service, Richmond Chapel, 2720 Enterprise Parkway Richmond, Virginia A memorial service will follow at https://affinityfuneralservice.com/obituaries/carol-ann-hartsoe/. For those unable to attend there will be live streaming of the service.
In lieu of flowers, Carol had requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/ or Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/
Click here to view the live-streamed memorial service for Carol Ann Hartsoe.
I will always cherish the fond , happy memories I have of Carol growing up. Her smile and kindness remain in my heart forever. Carol, please give Mama Fran and Big George a hug and kiss for me. Rest in Peace, sister. Love Always, Mary Beth
Carol was a dear and precious friend to my mother, Susan White…and to our entire family. She embodied the life of a servant…in every way.
The twinkle in her Irish eyes will be sorely missed. But she resides with the communion of saints. Well done, thy good and faithful servant!
My dear lovely cousin Carol, I know you’re with your Mom and Dad, watching over us. Rest peacefully and know you were loved dearly and will be missed by many.🙏🥰
Carol was a dear friend to our family and deeply and especially loved by my mother and father, Linda and Lou Zanzola. She brought much joy and sweet companionship to them. She will be deeply missed but the precious memory of her sweet and gentle spirit will remain with all of us forever.
Carol was a wondeerful friend to my mother, Linda Zanzola. They worked together in getting the school library in order for the coming year. She ePnjoyed Carol’s company and thought very highly of her. Please receive my condolences.
Carol and I taught together at St. Bridget’s, and I remember her with fondness and love. She was so sweet and kind to the students, helping them in any way she could and always with a smile! I know she will be missed, but she has taken her rightful place at the feet of our Savior.
In 1994, Paul White delivered the eulogy at a service for Carol’s mother. It may be helpful to listen to his words again:
“And should we this day, or some day out there in our futures, find some rhythm coaxing our eyes to light up and our heart to move in such a way that we will swear that we have sensed her nearness …”
We will miss our beloved sister-in-law Carol. She was always a joy to be around. She and Paul took an interest in our son’s family Nick and Kelli and loved their children. We spend time together going to dinner and our daughter Beth’s wedding. Carol was a great help in times of Paul and John’s mother and step-dad illness. We had hoped to be able to get together more with John’s retirement coming. Carol will be missed greatly. Now she is in Jesus’s arms and will never feel pain again.
Carol was like a sister to me. She was by my side through so many difficult times with my folks, Linda and Lou Zanzola. She always took my hand, gave me a hug, and reassured me that all would be fine. I remember her smile but mostly her laugh and the sparkle in her eyes. She was a true blessing to our family, and she will be forever missed.