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Carol Wainwright Obituary
Born Oct. 20, 1951, in Quonset Point, R.I., she was the third of four children, Robert, Richard and younger sister, Elizabeth, to the late Filmore and Annette Marie (Drischler) Buchanan.
In the early phase of her career, Carol began as a secretary on Fishers Island. In time, she decided to go back to school, earning a master's degree from Connecticut College in teaching. Following her degree, she spent many fulfilling years teaching at Cutler Middle School in the Groton Public School system in 1990, up until her retirement in 2013.
Following her retirement, she was the librarian for nine years at the Wheeler Library in North Stonington, a job she truly enjoyed.
Carol lived an active lifestyle. Some of her hobbies included her daily walks and runs through the woods, golfing, reading, sewing, and especially making quilts for her family members. Another source of delight for her was participating in a book club with her former teaching colleagues.
She is survived by her husband Francis A. Wainwright Jr. whom she married July 18, 1998; her two sons, Anthony Marshall III and his wife Laura, and Timothy Marshall and his wife Shawn; Fran's daughter, Alexis Wainwright; her sister, Elizabeth Buchanan; her aunt, Joan Steinbauer; two brothers-in-law, Thomas and Donald Wainwright; a sister-in-law, Kathleen Wainwright; and four grandchildren: Anthony Marshall IV and Vincent, Jayce, and Sienna Marshall. She was predeceased by her former husband, Anthony Marshall Jr.
Carol's family will receive relatives and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Mystic Funeral Home located on Route 1 in Mystic. A service will immediately follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial services will be held privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the ASPCA (ASPCA.org" target="_new" rel="nofollow">www.ASPCA.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carol Wainwright
Sponsored by Mystic Funeral Home.
KARLA B UMLAND
February 10, 2026
I loved working with Carol at Wheeler Library! She was always a good sport and it was fun to discover that we were both Connecticut College graduates. Because of Carol's support and warmth, we had many successful children's programs during my tenure at Wheeler. I am thankful that I got to work wth her. She will be greatly missed.
Mary Walter
January 28, 2026
Bucky & Tim
So sorry to hear of carol´s passing. We go back to your families time on fishers island when steve and I worked for your father. She was a good friend as we spent time together sewing, began jogging together (she kept it up in didnt!), bike trips to vermont and setting a great example of being a mom! The world shines a bit dimmer without her. Best to all your family and hold onto those great memories, I will!
Jim Brink
January 27, 2026
Bucky and Tim,
Your Mother was a kind lady and your home was always a great place that our Tim would stay over. God bless you all during this time of grief.
Jim (Tim Brink's father)
Hoda
January 26, 2026
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Carol. I met Carol at Wheeler Library and she was always so kind and sweet. She was always so helpful and kind. I´ll truly miss her big, welcoming smile and I´ll miss her chats about her grandchildren. She loved her grandbabies and would often share stories about them. She was a wonderful lady and it was a blessing knowing her. My deepest condolences to all her family and friends.
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Amanda Bechtel
January 26, 2026
For woman who was my teacher and than became a friend. Thank you, Carol for a lifetime of kindness and being reason the library became a second home to us. I know my dear library friends and many will miss you way too much!!
"Ode To Carol"
As rare and remarkable as lightening that strikes twice in the same place,
That was Carol to me.
Her kindness so consistent,
she blessed my life twice
with her gentle ways.
Once my teacher,
Than my friend!
How could one person be so consistent that she both warmed middle school memories and later,
in the same kind ways,
changed the life of one young mama?
I don´t know, but she did!
Twice over, Carol made my life better.
Remarkable and rare as a double lighting strike, brightening the darkness,
That was Carol,
To me!
-Amanda Bechtel (Rich)
Amanda Brink
January 24, 2026
I have so many fond memories of Carol. She was my buddy for the Boy Scout troop as a merit badge counselor for the biking badge. I remember one 25 mile ride we did in the rain on Mother's Day. We were looking like drown rats but feeling like good mother's that day. I also remember taking an orientering course for Scouts in Niantic. She caught onto the azmuth, back azmuth stuff much quicker than I did. So many memories, costumes for the Cub Scout Halloween party, making crafts for the Christmas fair for PTA and many more. She gave my son so many fun opportunities including a trip to Hawaii and ski lessons in Vermont. I enjoyed catching up with her at the library long after our boys were grown. I am so sorry for your loss, Bucky and Tim. She was a wonderful person. Mandy Brink
Marie (Jerbert) Campbell
January 23, 2026
Carol and I were grade school friends at Ledyard Center School. We had so much fun together taking horseback riding lessons, trick-or-treating (Carol always had the best costume) and sleepovers. I am so sad to hear this news. My condolences to her husband and family.
Jim Cook, LHS 1970
January 23, 2026
This is so terribly sad. We were both theater kids at LHS, and she was always a bright light and live wire. Sincerest condolences to her family and friends.
Diane Cain
January 23, 2026
So sorry to hear of Carol's passing. She was a welcoming face to many at Wheeler Library, always pleasant and willing to help others. Condolences to all who knew her.
Carol (Weil) Chaves
January 23, 2026
Many happy memories of the time we spent together on Fishers Island . Carol was a good friend to all .
Fred Souza
January 22, 2026
Anthony, Tim and Alexis as well as the rest of the family, my condolences on the passing of your mom. Thinking of you with fondness!
Deb MacGregor DiMarco
January 22, 2026
Carol was a great friend and fun companion in high school. Re-connected recently at a summer reunion picnic. Sending Sincere condolences from Jim and I .
Brian and Pamela Rathbun
January 22, 2026
Carol was a great neighbor, I always enjoyed chatting with her at the Wheeler Library. Our sympathy and prayers for her Family during this difficult time. Brian and Pamela Rathbun
Debi Alger
January 22, 2026
Frannie,
So sorry for your loss. Keep all your memories close, remember the love and hugs when things are hard. Condolences to your children and their families.
Debi
Lance Reiser
January 22, 2026
To the entire Wainwright family...
Please accept my sincere condolences. May your memories mollify your grief and offer you solace.
Ginny Rupy
January 22, 2026
Dear Fran and family
I was so sad to hear of Carol´s passing. She was a lovely person, always smiling and quick to offer a warm greeting. She was kind and a very good teacher. We had many lively conversations and I always felt her warmth.
I pray your grief will soon to wonderful memories. I´m in Fl so am sad I can´t see you at the services so I can give you a hug. Fondly Ginny Rupy
Sue Durham
January 22, 2026
So sorry to hear of Carol's passing. My condolences to her family and friends.
Dave Fairman
January 22, 2026
Rest in Peace Carol
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