Carole G. May

zoom link for the funeral: https://jcamherst.org/zoomlinksinfo/

Carole Gutmann May, age 80, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst, Massachusetts, after a year-long journey with cancer.

She was born on September 5, 1945 in New York City to German Jewish refugees and grew up in Washington Heights. From an early age, Carole faced significant physical challenges, which she met throughout her life with remarkable strength, perseverance, and determination.

Carole attended the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan, where her lifelong love of creativity blossomed. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from SUNY Buffalo, where she met her future husband, Les. She also earned a Master's degree in Education from the City University of New York and began her professional life as a first grade teacher in the New York City public schools.

After the birth of their son Joshua, they moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, for Les to attend graduate school, where Carole was an active member of Lollipop Power, a women's publishing collective dedicated to publishing children's books with feminist and anti-racist messages.

A few years later, the family moved to the Boston area for Les to work on his doctorate, and their daughter Ilana was born. Carole worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on initiatives supporting the deinstitutionalization of people with disabilities. She helped advance efforts to transition individuals from institutional settings into full participation in community life, contributing to the creation of adaptive environments that made everyday living more accessible. She later served as an administrator at Camp Ramah in Palmer, Massachusetts.

Creativity remained a central thread throughout Carole's life. Her early love of art evolved into a passion for interior design and decorating; she created her home as a work of art and was often sought out by friends and family for her eye, insight, and taste. She always had fresh flowers in her house, and loved to Zentangle.

Deeply rooted in her Jewish heritage, Carole served as Chairperson of the Temple Emanuel of Newton School Committee and as Secretary of the Board of Trustees.

She loved games and gatherings, especially mahjong, canasta, and Rummikub.

Carole formed and maintained close friendships throughout her life - from childhood through her years in New York, Chapel Hill, Watertown, Newton, South Hadley, and Florida. Her friendships were a source of great joy and meaning, sustained by her warmth, loyalty, and ability to stay deeply connected across time and distance.

Carole is survived by her beloved husband, Les May; her daughter, Ilana Beigel, and son-in-law Mark Beigel; and her cherished grandchildren, Amelia, Liza, and Nate Beigel. She is also survived by her sister, Harriet Borenstein, as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her son, Joshua May, whom she carried in her heart always.

Carole lived her life with intelligence, creativity, and resilience, meeting challenges with grace and perseverance and bringing beauty and humanity to the world around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Carole's funeral will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11 am at the Jewish Community of Amherst, 742 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Les May, 14 Strong Farm Lane, South Hadley, on Saturday, February 14, from 7:00-9:00 p.m., and Sunday through Wednesday, February 15-18, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Donations may be made in Carole's memory to the Hospice of the Fisher Home (Amherst, MA) or to the Jewish Community of Amherst.