Carole M. Braida-Franceschini

BRAIDA-FRANCESCHINI, CAROLE M., 54 - of Port Elizabeth, passed away early Saturday morning in the South Jersey Hospital Regional Medical Center., Vineland after a brief illness. Carole was born & raised in Vineland where she was a longtime city resident prior to moving to Port Elizabeth in 1986. She was the daughter of the late Cathleen Joan (Schneider) & Michael H. Braida, Jr. & the sister of the late Joanne P. Braida. Carole began her career in 1972 at the Vineland Developmental Center as a recreational aide. She was active in Special Olympics as a coach for both track & field and swimming. She coached track & field at the state's first Special Olympics Meet. She also served as Mistress of Ceremonies for Area Eight Special Olympic activities. She then went on to work in the Volunteer Services Department. In 1992, she transferred to the Veterans Memorial Home as their Volunteer Services Coordinator where she was in charge of all donations made to the veterans along with coordination of the Volunteer Network. Carole was a well-liked and respected employee at both facilities, and after a dedicated 30 year career, she retired in 2002. Carole loved reading cookbooks and trying out new recipes on her family & friends. Carole loved her dog, Forrest and two cats. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband of 15 years: Ken Franceschini, stepdaughters: Lori & Paul Gunther & Nichole & Brian Herr, mother in law: Florence (Frasnelli) Franceschini, sister in law: Janice & husband, Paul Horner, aunts, Rose Marie Prater & Theresa Braida, as well as several nieces, nephews & cousins, Brian & Laurel Braida, Paul & Deb Braida & James Braida. Private funeral services were held in the Pancoast Funeral Home, 676 S. Main Rd., Vineland. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the N.J. Veterans Memorial Home, Bowling Alley Fund, 524 N.W. Blvd., Vineland, NJ 08360, Cumberland Co. S.P.C.A. 1244 N. Delsea Dr., Vineland, NJ 08360, SJH Hospicecare, 2848 S. Delsea Dr., Vineland, NJ 08360 or to the American Cancer Society, S.J. Reg., 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. To e-mail condolences & or tributes, please visit: www.pancoastfuneralhome.com