Carol Shirley Vantine Carpenter-Thomas

Carol Shirley Vantine Carpenter-Thomas passed way on March 17, 2026.

Carol was born prematurely at the family deer camp in Tyson Corners, VT on November 27, 1933. Placed in a box behind a wood stove to keep her warm, she survived, thrived, and spent her life in the state she loved for 92 years. Carol was raised on the family farm and summer inn “Vantine's on Lake Champlain” in Grand Isle, VT with her sister Hazel, brother Merritt and her parents, Van Hoag Vantine and Evelyn Mae (Loveland) Vantine. Growing up, she attended a one-room schoolhouse and was active in 4H and music and worked during summers at the inn.

Carol graduated from Milton High School in 1951 and the University of Vermont in 1953. In 1953, Carol married Donald B. Carpenter, and they had six children. The family lived in South Burlington and Shelburne. Her first career was as a dental hygienist, traveling to local area schools to promote dental health and provide her services to low-income children. Later she worked at the offices of Dr. Charles Averill, DDS in Burlington.

Carol and Don divorced in 1974. Shortly after her divorce, Carol decided to head in a new direction, attending Trinity College part-time, earning a BA degree in 1981. Carol married Ralph Thomas in 1984 and built a home in Charlotte. While attending college, Carol started employment at IBM in Williston, resulting in a rewarding career lasting over thirty years, retiring as a Global Purchasing Manager. She worked full-time until her late 70’s.

Carol had many interests and was a committed volunteer in the community, serving her local schools and recognized for the over 4000 hours she devoted to patient care at the hospital. She was an avid fan of Catamount hockey, holding season tickets for many years. She always looked forward to watching March Madness and the Red Sox. Her love of gardening and flowers was instilled in her by her parents. She was a wonderful friend to many, and she placed her family above all else holding a deep devotion to those she loved and will be missed by all.

Ralph predeceased Carol in 2015. Carol leaves her sister Hazel Smith of Wayzata, MN; her six children and their spouses: David Carpenter (Brenda) of Charlotte, VT, Donald B. Carpenter II (Judy) of Charlotte, VT, Stephen Vantine (Susan) of Salem, VA, Susan Willard (Michael) of Grand Isle, VT, Robert Carpenter of Charlotte, VT, and Catherine Sato (Sanford) of Waimanalo, HI, and a step son, Art Thomas (Dawes) of Lexington, KY. “Grammie Carol “was loved by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A committal service will be held at the Grand Isle Cemetery at a later date.