Carol Joan Drexler

About

University of Massachusetts

Carol Drexler Obituary

Carol Joan Drexler 6/24/1931 ~ 9/21/2023

Northampton, MA -

Carol lived a lifetime of kindness, compassion and love. She left her body while in her home surrounded and cared for by her beloved friends and family.

Carol left her successful but unsatisfying career as a children's book editor in NY and obtained her Master's degree in counseling, arriving in the Valley in 1974 as a new counselor at Everywoman's Center at UMass. Singing The Lesbian Tango in the lesbian-feminist musical review on stage at UMass made it clear she was gay, proud, and there to empower and inspire.

Her work as a psychotherapist in private practice spanned 50 years. Her own experiences of childhood wounds, risks of being gay in the 1950s and into the 70s, and the discrimination she experienced as a Jew and a woman were coupled with great empathy, courage and strength of heart, mind and spirit. She became a trusted witness and guide to those struggling to find their way home to an open heart and the fullness of their being.

Deeply spiritual she organized and led many large and small group gatherings to explore and support emotional and spiritual opening and transformation. Carol was a caretaker of both individuals and the larger Lesbian, feminist, spiritual communities throughout all the decades of her life including her last years.

Honored, respected and deeply beloved, Carol's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by the gift of her wisdom, the joy of her laughter, the depth of her understanding and the generosity of her love.

No memorial service or celebration is planned. Those wishing to honor Carol's life are invited to make a donations to a charitable organization supporting the safety, well-being and empowerment of women.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Oct. 2, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Carol Drexler

12 Entries

Ellynn Packard

September 26, 2025

I made her knit soc which she loved. Fun. Loved her.

Suzy Canter

March 8, 2024

Carol midwifed me for 10 years through a very difficult separation and emotional time. I feel blessed to have had her in my life and be a receiver of her wisdom and her love. Sending love to you Carol. God bless you and I hope you are still wearing your Socks and Sandals.

Leona Phillips

November 22, 2023

Carol was an extraordinary woman and I loved being able to be friends with her for over forty years. So glad we got to visit last year and to see her nestled into her new home. Leona Phillips

Debbie

November 14, 2023

Carol, you were such a special soul, and you'll always live on in my heart. I wish we could gather and have a ritual to celebrate your life and all the souls you touched while you were here.

Judy (aka JR) Raphael

October 23, 2023

I had known Carol for many years since she came to the Valley. We drove to/from NYC together one day in the 70's. I think it was to see the Judy Chicago "Dinner Party" exhibit. We knew each other over the years as she started a counselor and therapist group to which I belonged. I visited her home in South Amherst on several occasions. She was friends with friends of mine in Leverett, so we met on several occasions at their home. When one of Carol's friends wanted to contact her (I forget who that was.), I found that she was at Christopher Heights retirement and care home in Northampton. So I went a few times to see her and to reminisce. I admired and respected Carol greatly. As others have said, she was a trailblazer, a wise, and compassionate soul. May her memory be for a blessing.

Judy (aka JR) Raphael

Rorie Woods

October 10, 2023

Carol came in on the summer solstice, and left on the fall equinox. She strove for, and demonstrated, balance. I was happy to have been her roofer, and plasterer. She kept a lovely home.

Ellynn Packard

October 8, 2023

I loved her. She was great and wore the Sox I made for her!

Molly Scott

October 8, 2023

I deeply loved, and continue to love this woman.
Carol Joan, thank you for your presence among us...

Michele Reiter

October 6, 2023

I have known Carol since she moved to the valley. We shared much in common, especially our devotion to our work as psychotherapists. She was truly a trailblazer and gave so much to us, to our lesbian feminist community. She was a very special woman and I know that she will be greatly missed.

Justine McCord

October 3, 2023

I had not seen Carol since I was 9 or 10 but remember her kindness vividly! She worked with my mom, Ann McCord, at every women´s center and she was one of few adults who really listened, asked thoughtful questions and was incredibly loving and supportive.what a life well lived! May this next adventure be as wonderful as all your years on the planet

Paula Sayword

October 2, 2023

I think many of us would remember Carol from her days at Everywoman's Center, her theater days and years of private practice.
She was generous, loving, kind beyond words.
You're home now, Carol. Fly free.

Judith Schenck

October 2, 2023

I have known Carol since 1975. She inspired me, as she did others, by her wisdom, kindness, and spirit. I call her every few years, but this summer there was no answer. I feared she was already gone, but Carol will always live in the hearts and minds of every lesbian in the Valley.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results