Obituary of Carol Ann Dion

Carol Ann (Avery) Dion, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Sunday, June 11, 2017 at the age of 75 following a courageous battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of the late Paul E. Dion. Carol was born and raised in Montpelier, Vermont, one of three children of the late Edward and Aline Avery. Carol was a 1959 graduate of St. Michael’s High School in Montpelier. At the age of 18 she left Vermont to attend Becker Junior College in Worcester where she graduated in 1961. Her first job was at Boston Children’s Hospital and over the years she recalled her times there fondly. She married her husband Paul in 1966 and they settled in Burlington in 1969 where they raised their two children, Jeff and Kristen. Carol was a loving and supportive wife and mother. She was always present at her children’s activities and athletic events. Carol and Paul were Co-Presidents of the Burlington Athletic Boosters Club for two years during their children’s high school days. As a family they always looked forward to their summer vacations in Ogunquit, Maine. Carol enjoyed hosting family and friends for holidays and other special occasions. She particularly liked having her children and their friends in her home for major sporting events. Carol’s life changed dramatically at the age of 46 when her husband Paul passed away unexpectedly leaving her a widow after 22 years of marriage. She subsequently returned to the workforce as an Administrative Assistant in the Banking and Education Industries, retiring in her late 60’s. Wanting to fill her time in a meaningful way, she became a volunteer for People Helping People at the Burlington Food Pantry. Carol was considered a Leader at the pantry always knowing what had to be done without being asked. Carol enjoyed travelling and visited such destinations as Alaska, Panama Canal, Grand Canyon and various locations in Europe. Carol’s greatest joy was being a grandmother. Just like she did for Jeff and Kristen when they were young, Carol attended all her grandchildren’s sporting events. It didn’t matter what town the event was in – she would be there to cheer the girls on. Carol loved to bake and her granddaughters particularly enjoyed her muffins and cranberry bread. On April 28, 2017 Carol was blessed to see her daughter Kristen marry Gary Ventura at a beautiful wedding at the Tewksbury Country Club. It was a wonderful and happy day for the entire family. In her last few weeks she was fortunate to be able to spend time with family doing some of her favorite things – eating a lobster roll, driving up the coast of Maine, and watching her granddaughters play lacrosse and soccer. Carol was the beloved wife of the late Paul E. Dion. Loving mother of Jeffrey P. Dion & his wife Amy and Kristen M. Ventura & her husband Gary all of North Andover. Proud Grammie of Taylor, Kelcey & Ainsley Dion and Alyssa Ventura. Sister of Deborah Gibson and the late John Avery, both of Barre, VT. Aunt to 15 nieces and nephews and 22 great nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Thursday, June 15 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Carol’s name may be made to People Helping People, PO Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803.