Carol Anne Stiglmeier

Stiglmeier, Carol Anne
WOODBURY, Conn. - Carol Anne (Fairley) Stiglmeier, born September 3, 1957 in Glens Fall, N.Y., passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family at her home in Woodbury, Conn., on August 24, 2025. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, love of her family, her generosity, humor, and non-stop energy. Carol Anne graduated from Wells College in 1979, and earned a Master's Degree in library science at the State University of New York (Albany) in 1984. Carol Anne had a distinguished career with the New York State Department of Education as a curriculum specialist. She presided over numerous special projects and worked directly with the New York State Board of Regents, and then first lady of New York, Matilda Cuomo, among others. Carol Anne was fluent in Spanish, French and Italian, and used these skills professionally in various projects that took her to Spain, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Later in her professional life, Carol Anne was a founding executive at The Oxbridge Academy (West Palm Beach, Fla.) as The Director of Curriculum & Instruction. She would tell you, however, that her most important job of all was being a mother to her daughter, Fairleigh Rose (33), and her son, John (Jack) McAllister (30). She was an incredibly devoted and loving spouse to John, her husband of 45 years. There was nothing that Carol Anne would not do for her family. Carol Anne was actively involved in charitable organizations wherever she was living. She chaired annual fundraisers at The Albany Academy for Girls and Co-chaired the grand reopening gala of The Albany Institute of History and Art in 2001, where she served as a member of the Board of Directors. Carol Anne was also a Director at The Siasconset Casino on Nantucket, and a member of the Laureate Society of The American Cancer Society in Palm Beach, Fla. She loved her summers in Nantucket riding her bike, playing golf with her fellow 'Happy High Handicappers' at The Nantucket Golf Club, playing tennis at the Sconset Casino and, of course, the beach. She also loved to travel, in Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and throughout the United States. She especially enjoyed her visits to Cambridge Beaches in Bermuda. Friends and family will remember Carol Anne as a fashion icon, who always dressed and accessorized with impeccable style and grace. Carol Anne is survived by her loving husband and soulmate, John; daughter Fairleigh; and son, Jack; her mother, Carol Breeyear Fairley Rubino; sister, Mary Jo Polidore (Chris); brother, Joe (Amy); sisters in-law, Eileen, Carol (Bob), Lois Witkop (Jim) Claire (Evan); stepmother, Donna; and a number of nieces and nephews. Although she would be the last to say it, Carol Anne was an incredibly intelligent and accomplished woman. She left her mark on this world by touching the lives of many and always prioritizing others' needs in front of her own. We know Carol Anne had even more to give, and although her journey ended too soon, her family takes solace in knowing that she is finally at peace. Those wishing to remember Carol Anne in a way that would be truly meaningful to her, would be to make a donation to Connecticut Regional Hospice, St. Peters Hospital (Albany, N.Y.), Albany Medical Center (NICU), or The American Cancer Society. Calling hours are Saturday, September 6, 1 to 4 p.m., at McVeigh Funeral Home, 209 N. Allen St, Albany, N.Y. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com