Carol M. Crain

Carol Crain died peacefully at St. Anne's Care Center in Webster, after a long journey with Alzheimer's disease. They call it the "long goodbye," and indeed, we cherished her through every stage. We are grateful to those who cared for her, including her five years at Rochester Presbyterian Home at Creekstone. Through it all, she always kept her sense of humor and expressed her love even when words didn't come easily. She will be remembered for her warm smile, love of children and family.
She is predeceased by her husband, Bill Crain; parents, Harold and Ruth (Anthony) Mackinder; brother-in-law, Doug Smith; sister-in-law, Ellie Mackinder. Survived by her children, Will (Michele) Crain, Betsy (Everett) Nowack, Mary Ellen (Jeff) Knickerbocker, Narina (Steven) Schulz; grandchildren, Liam Crain, Schuyler Crain, Kelly Knickerbocker, Riley Knickerbocker, Carolyn Knickerbocker, Cullen Schulz; siblings, Ruth (Paul) Minert, Harold (Beth) Mackinder, Joan Smith, Cynthia Stokes; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Born on Christmas Eve, in Detroit Michigan, she was the oldest of four children. Her family shared much love and laughter. She spent most of her childhood on Wilsonia Road in Rochester, NY, attending School #52 and later East High School. When her family had challenges, their faith in God carried them through. She was a proud graduate of SUNY Geneseo and later earned her Master's in Special Education at Nazareth College.
She met her husband, Bill Crain, at Young Adult Fellowship at Third Presbyterian Church and they were married soon after in the Chapel on August 30, 1964. Together, they raised four children, first on Nunda Boulevard and later on Keuka Lake.
Active in her church and community, Carol was a special education teacher at Penn Yan Elementary. She was an elder at both Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester and First Presbyterian Church in Penn Yan. She taught Sunday School, served as a deacon and was even a Jr. Choir mom. She was a Brownie leader for her daughters' troops and volunteered at various programs that served families in need, including the Family Nurturing Program in Penn Yan. A strong advocate for women's rights, she brought two of her daughters to the opening of the Women's Rights National Historical Park in 1980, instilling in us the importance of standing up for what we believe in. She was a Democrat through and through and enjoyed the company of other Democrats in her Progressives group that met regularly.
She was famous for her Christmas cookies which she shared with friends and family across the country. At her peak, she baked over two dozen varieties, lovingly packaged and shared with friends, teachers, and family. Carrying on that tradition has become one of our most cherished ways of honoring her.
But perhaps her greatest joy came in being a grandmother. She had a rare gift for seeing the best in her grandchildren, celebrating their strengths and loving them unconditionally. Whether it was reading picture books, or simply being present, she made every moment with them special.
She taught us many things- kindness, generosity, to try our best, to look for the good in people, and to not take life too seriously. She would say that she had to laugh so she wouldn't cry. She made ordinary moments fun. She touched many with her warmth, humor and grace.
We will miss her dearly, but her love will live on in our hearts.
Friends may call to the funeral chapel (2305 Monroe Ave.) November 28, 2025 from 1-4 pm. A Memorial Service will be held at Third Presbyterian Church (4 Meigs St.) in the spring. She will be interred at Lakeview Cemetary in Penn Yan.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Living Well Mission in Penn Yan, Family Promise of Rochester, or a food pantry of your choice.