Carol FitzPatrick, born Helen Carol Shaffer, died peacefully September 11, 2014, at Woodridge in Montpelier, Vermont, after a long illness. She was born in Abington, Pennsylvania on November 18, 1942, the daughter of Howard and Ethel Shaffer. Carol attended Abington High School and Katharine Gibbs in Boston. She met her future husband, Montpelier native Douglas R. FitzPatrick at multi-denominational youth retreat. Carol often recalled the rainy mist of their first walk together. They were married on June 15, 1963 after his graduation from Yale University. They traveled the United States and settled in San Francisco where Doug worked on the design of the Bay Area Rapid Transit. While in California, Carol had two daughters, Sandy and Heather. Carol and Doug returned to the east and lived in Syracuse, NY, for five years. They then returned to Vermont and built a house on Bartlett Hill in Berlin; Carol spent many hours there in her extensive gardens. Except for travel (including a year in Indonesia from 1975-1976) they both resided in this house until Doug's death in 1997. Carol earned a bachelor's degree at Johnson State College in sociology. For many years, she worked as a lister for the Town of Berlin and also volunteered with the Berlin Historical Society and the clerk's office to count ballots. Carol served as a guardian ad litem for Washington County and also volunteered in local literacy programs. Carol moved to Westview Meadows in 2007 and grew to love her many friends. She participated in many activities such as painting, book club, and music. Famous for her zest and spontaneity, she loved adventures with all friends but particularly Lillian Liebertoff. Carol is survived by daughter Sandra FitzPatrick Vitzthum of Montpelier and her three sons Alexander, Carl and August Vitzthum; and daughter Heather FitzPatrick Pierce of Berlin, her husband Ed Pierce, and their daughter Lydia Pierce. Carol will be remembered for her good humor, generosity, and friendliness. She was not a complainer, but rather worked hard to overcome illness. Carol centered her life around her immediate family, her close friends, and her adopted Town of Berlin. She will be sorely missed by all. The FitzPatrick family would like to thank the staff of the CVH dialysis unit and also the staff of Woodridge for their loving and watchful care of Carol. Calling hours will be held at the Guare & Sons/Barber & Lanier Funeral Home (30 School Street, Montpelier) Sunday, September 14th, from 6 to 8 pm. A memorial service will be held at the Bethany United Church of Christ (115 Main Street, Montpelier) Tuesday, September 16th, at 3 pm, with an informal reception following in the church parlor. On line condolences may be sent to www.guareandsons.com