Caldeira, Carol (Soucy)
Carol Soucy Caldeira, 87, of Simsbury passed peacefully at Mclean Home on February 24, 2023.
Carol was born to George and Josephine Piccolo Soucy, December 30, 1935, and grew up with her three younger brothers in Collinsville, CT. She cherished being a part of a large, loving, extended Italian family from Torrington and enjoyed passing family history and traditions through the generations.
Carol graduated from Canton High in 1953. She had fond memories of her friends and experiences there, organizing reunions to stay in touch through the decades. After high school, Carol headed to the University of Connecticut where she met her future husband, Armand Caldeira. They married in 1955 and remained devoted partners for life. Their first home was in Shreveport, Louisiana where Armand completed his tour of duty at Barksdale Air Force Base. They returned to Collinsville and subsequently made their home in the Weatogue section of Simsbury where they raised their family.
From an early age at her father’s knee, Carol learned the value of helping others and being a vital member of the community. She helped form the Canton and Simsbury Young Democrats, which was known in the early 1960s for its annual art show featuring the work of local artists. She was a member of the Simsbury Democratic Town Committee, an assistant registrar of voters, and secretary of the Connecticut Young Democrats. Carol was active in youth activities, serving as a Brownie leader, Cub Scout den mother, and PTO member. She served on the women’s auxiliaries for Little League, Babe Ruth, and American Legion baseball.
Carol graduated with a degree in Education from Central Connecticut State University in 1973. She went on to earn her Master’s while beginning a career as an elementary school teacher in Windsor. There she participated in the Windsor Education Association, holding various offices, including president and negotiator. In the classroom, Carol was known for innovative ideas and strategies. She participated in the BEST program for beginning teachers, acting as a mentor and assessor. She traveled around the state evaluating the performance of first year teachers. In Windsor, she served on various curriculum committees, most notably in the area of mathematics. After a 25-year career, Carol retired in 1998 maintaining an interest as an advocate of teachers and students with continued involvement in the CEA and NEA Retired Teachers organizations. In retirement, Carol enjoyed spending more time with her family in Connecticut and California. She was especially devoted to her six grandchildren, attending their games and dance recitals as their biggest fan. With more time to travel, she and Armand often escaped Connecticut winters, a highlight being a 50th Anniversary trip to Hawaii. She loved meeting new people as well as maintaining long enduring friendships. Carol is survived by her husband of more than 67 years, Armand Caldeira; by her son, David, and his wife Susan Dohm Caldeira of Irvine, CA; her daughter, Deborah Lemke of Southington and her special joys, her grandchildren; Alison and Eric Lemke and Troy, Jeffrey, Rachel, and Scott Caldeira.
Carol was predeceased by brothers Donald, George, and Robert Soucy. She is also survived by sisters-inlaw Lorraine Soucy, of Avon, and Pat Soucy, of Myrtle Beach, SC.
Friends and family may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, CT on Friday, March 3rd from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM closing with a Prayer Service. Burial will follow in Simsbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Friends of Simsbury Library, P. O. Box 282, Simsbury, CT 06070. Please visit Carol’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.