Middlesex, VT Carolyn Rae Ferris died January 1, 2008 at the Central Vermont Medical Center amidst the love of her family. Born in 1949 to Llewellyn Dana (Slim) and Kathryn Herbert Ferris, Carolyn attended elementary school in Middlesex and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1967. Carolyn knew from an early age that she would be a teacher and received her degree in elementary education from the University of Bridgeport and Masters Degree from the University of Vermont. Following her graduation from the University of Bridgeport, Carolyn put her degree to work at the Union Elementary School in Montpelier in 1971. There she enjoyed teaching fourth grade uninterrupted until her retirement in 2003. At that point in her life, Carolyn began a career in her second area of passion- the care of animals, earning a Veterinarian Technician degree from Vermont Technical College and going on to work at the Berlin Veterinary Clinic in Montpelier. A lifelong Middlesex resident, Carolyn moved her domicile one time, from Railroad Street to Route 2, a distance of about 250 yards. Although residentially consistent, Carolyn enjoyed traveling, especially to warm Caribbean beaches, with her dear friends Blanche and Gary Adamski. Summer vacations were spent tenting with family or renting camps on Vermont ponds and lakes. Her dog, Maddie and cats Cassie and Willow were her at-home family. In addition to her "Girls", Carolyn leaves her brother, Bobby and his wife Jean and family in Stebbins, Alaska, her brother, Ken and his wife Hope Ann, in Montpelier and her brother-in-law Jack Tabaka in Burke, VA. She was predeceased by her sister, Linda Tabaka. She will be missed by niece and nephews, Jennie and Joseph Ferris of Montpelier and Adam Tabaka of Alexandria, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Onion River Animal Hospital-Janet Anthony fund, 36 Three Mile Bridge Road, Middlesex, VT 05602. This fund helps with animal care for people with financial hardships. Calling hours will be held from 4:00-7:00pm on Saturday, January 5, 2008 at Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.