Carolee F. Wright

Carolee Faye (Kangas) Wright, 81, of Oneonta, NY passed away April 1, 2025, at the AO Fox nursing home. Carolee was born January 30, 1944, in Cedaredge, Colorado.
The family moved to New York in 1950 where she graduated from Laurens Central School in 1961 and SUCO Oneonta in 1965 with her bachelor's degree in education. Carolee pursued her love of education until her retirement in 1999 with most of those years at South New Berlin Central School teaching 5th grade. She made many lifelong friends and had an impact on a couple of generations of students, she loved when she had the children of former students. Outside of teaching, Carolee kept active, snowmobiling, riding quads, reading (Harlequin romances), and volunteering. She was a member of the Gilbertsville Fireman's Auxiliary, serving coffee and food at all hours of the night to the hard-working fireman. Carolee was a strong supporter of our Veterans, serving as the secretary, treasurer, and president of the Gilbertville Legion Auxiliary. She worked very hard to ensure Veterans were recognized and honored for their service to our country. Carolee was very organized and kept meticulous notes, her important papers!
Carolee is survived by her husband of 62 years, Ralph Wright whom she married the day after JFK was assassinated, she was always quizzing us on that date, 11/22/63 in case you don't remember! She leaves behind her daughter, Kelly Bednarz – her 21st birthday present, two grandchildren Adam and Casey Bednarz whom she cherished, her sister Annabelle Cocci, her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law as well as several nephews and a niece, her cousin William (Doris) Martin and many cousins out West whom she enjoyed visiting with at the bi-annual Kangas reunions. Carolee leaves behind wonderful friends Jim, Susie and Jimmy Pochy whose friendship and support especially over the last few years have been immeasurable and very much appreciated. She always had a big smile for them. Carolee was predeceased by her parents, Toivo and Theresa Kangas, her in-laws, John and Betty Wright and her son-in-law Steve Bednarz.
The family would like to thank the staff at Fox Nursing Home who provided for Carolee over her last few years.
We will always remember her love of education and her patriotism and of course her snappy one liners to how was your day? Just Ducky or Wound like an 8-day clock or while playing a friendly game of Pitch, don't back into this buzzsaw! Rest in Peace MOOMA!
We invite family and friends for calling hours from 4-6pm Monday, April 14 at the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris with a service to celebrate Carolee's life following.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to support a scholarship for girls from Gilbertsville to attend Girls State helping to continue Carolee's patriotic legacy. Scholarship donations can be mailed to the Gilbertsville Legion Auxiliary Post #1339, PO Box 308, Gilbertsville, NY 13776.
Carolee's family has entrusted her care to Edd Stanimer of the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris. For online condolences visit www.johnstonfh.com