Carol Ann McNally, a beloved long-time resident of Sag Harbor, died on September 28. She was 86.
A dedicated nurse for over 40 years, she devoted her life to caring for others, leaving an indelible mark on the community she served.
Born on January 31, 1938, to the late Genevieve S. Newman and James J. Newman, she grew up with a passion for helping people, which led her to pursue a career in nursing.
After she graduated from the Sacred Heart Academy in Sag Harbor, she attended RN Mary Immaculate School of Nursing. She pursued a career in gerontology, earning a bachelor’s degree from Marymount College in New York City and a master’s degree from C.W. Post College.
Carol worked as a nursing director at the Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Queens, where her compassion and skill earned her the admiration of colleagues and patients alike. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her profession. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and cousin.
She was an avid golfer, playing with her long-time friends, Walter Zebrowski and Bob Essay, at the Sag Harbor Golf Course and others.
She also enjoyed the ocean and frequented the beaches in Sagaponack, Noyak, and East Hampton, meeting with her friends and family.
She was passionate about photography and taking pictures of her loved ones.
Additionally, she was enthusiastic about going to the theater, especially the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport and the Westbury Music Fair.
She will be remembered for her dedication to health, often researching treatments to improve the quality of life for herself and others. She was always offering a helping hand and advice, even well after retiring as a nurse.
“Carol’s unwavering dedication to her family and community will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her,” her family said.
She was predeceased by her husband, Michael Joseph McNally; her son, Michael James McNally; her brother Joseph Newman (Arlene) of California; and her cousins, Eileen Essay (Bob), Joseph McPartlin (Claudia) and Marie Brenner (Al).
She is survived by her children, Laura Schilling (Philip), Michelle Bortiz (Leo) and Joanie McNally; five grandchildren, Lauren Tuffy (Colin), Jacqueline Indiviglio (Robert) and Ashley Schilling, and Nicole Knutson (Evan) and Amanda Einemmann; four great-grandchildren, Patrick Tuffy, Kiera Tuffy and Sophia Caroline Indiviglio, and Damian Hunter Novelli; her sister Joan Gaudette (predeceased Yvan) in Canada and brother James Robert Newman (Joan) of New Jersey; and many nieces and nephews in Canada and the United States.
A celebration of Carol’s life was held on October 5, at St. Andrew’s R.C. Church in Sag Harbor, where her granddaughter, Amanda Einemann, sang “The Rose” and “Amazing Grace.” Burial followed at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery in East Hampton, in the family plot.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Andrew’s R.C. Church (standrewchurchsagharborny.org).