ORRINGTON – Carol Dwyer Small, 87, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2022, surrounded by family. She was born on Jan. 23, 1935, in Troy, N.Y., to James E. Dwyer and Julia A. Swiderski.

After graduating from Catholic Central High School in 1952, Carol was employed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as a secretary in the Civil Engineering Department. It was here that she met the love of her life, Douglas Small, who was an engineering student. They married on Nov. 5, 1955, at St. Brigid’s Church in Watervliet, N.Y.

Carol and Doug settled in Green Bay, Wis. and had three children. They met their lifelong friends, the Morris’s (Liz and Stew) and the Weich’s (Pat and Bob). Carol was active in the community, supporting her children in sports and activities, belonged to several bridge clubs, and was involved in the local church Resurrection. She became an avid competitive swimming mother!

Carol loved reading, decorating, gardening and was an excellent baker. She was also a rabid Green Bay Packers fan, watching and recording most if not all of their games, and was an official shareholder of the team. Carol was notorious for re-watching games to provide a critique of what her team did well, or not so well. Additionally, she religiously watched the NFL draft to analyze the Packer draft picks. She could go toe to toe with any football fan when debating the merits of her beloved Packers.

Carol and family relocated to Maine in the early 1970s, establishing their Maine roots in the Belgrade region (where Doug was from) and built their dream home. The holidays in Belgrade were quite the spectacle, with Carol showcasing her phenomenal decorating skills. She was incredibly generous, showering her spouse, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with love and gifts. Above all, Carol cherished spending time with her family.

Carol worked at Central Maine Power, where she continued to make long lasting friendships. After she and Doug retired, they enjoyed traveling the U.S. and spent much time at the family camp in The Forks with her husband, mother-in-law, and many other family members. When asked how she wanted to be remembered, Carol emphatically said that she wanted to be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend of which she definitely was.

Carol was predeceased by husband, Douglas; three brothers, Dan, Jim and Jack Dwyer and brother-in-law, Robert Small.

She is survived by her three children, Denise Small Howell and husband Steve, Karen Small Pelletier, and husband Kirk, and David Small and wife Susan; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Of her nieces and nephews, Carol was especially close to Gary and Phyllis Small, Charles and Denise Small and Linda and Mike Kozminski.

Carol will be forever remembered, loved, and missed, but in her own words, when she “graduates” she will join her beloved husband of 59 years, Douglas, and all the family members that passed before her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 2 at 10 a.m. at Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers please send donations, in memory of Carol D. Small, to:

Salesian Missions,

2 Lefevre Lane,

New Rochelle, NY 10801-5710

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