Carole Ann Fyans

Carole Ann Fyans, age 77, of Narragansett, RI, loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2019, surrounded by her family, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimers disease. Carole was born in Fall River, MA to Ellen (Berg) and Edward Freeman. As the youngest of three children, Carole developed her perseverant nature early in life after the untimely death of her father when she was 8. Not one to dwell on lifes misfortunes, and in keeping with her bootstrap mentality, Carole got to work when she was of age and accepted a job as a telephone switchboard operator- a coveted position for a young lady in the 1950s and 60s. It was during this time that, despite her better judgment, she was persuaded into giving her telephone number to a young man working as a gas attendant at a station she happened to stop in to. It was love at first sight and he wouldnt let her leave without promising him a date. Fortunately, she relented, and thus began an almost six decade-long adventure with the love of her life, Richard Fyans. Married in 1965, Richard and Carole eventually settled in Danbury, CT and raised 3 children, Kelly, John, and Katie. Carole and Richard made many lifelong friends during their 30 years in Connecticut. Carole always looked back fondly on her friendships, specifically her card group which she and her girlfriends dubbed the Wednesday Evening Social Society. Although cards were rarely played, the laughter, love, and support shared between the ladies of the WESS provided many cherished memories. In 1982 Carole and Richard bought a small cottage in Narragansett which was enjoyed by family and friends for nearly 20 years. Carole then painstakingly designed the construction of a new home on the site after Richards retirement. Carole took great pride in her home and picked out every last detail during construction. It was a true labor of love and a home that remains filled with great affection and joy to this day. Carole was a lover of the arts and music and was a talented painter and sketch artist. She also had a keen eye for fashion and made a sport out of bargain shopping. She never missed a tent sale at Brahmin handbags and popped into her local Marshalls on an almost daily basis. Bling was her thing and she thought a little sparkle was the best accessory for any outfit. Carole and Richard had a shared love of travel with Richard's career often requiring overseas trips. They took many treasured vacations including trips to Europe, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, and Egypt. Carole loved finding the roots of her grandparents in Sweden and Richards in Ireland and Australia. However, they most enjoyed their time as snowbirds for the past 15 years and spending the winter months in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Carole could make friends anywhere and was fortunate enough to do so in her adopted winter home. While Carole wore many hats during her career, travel agent and jewelry consultant being a favored few, she was most proud and fulfilled by her role as family matriarch. Carole delighted in the accomplishments of her children and worked tirelessly to ensure that they had every opportunity to succeed in life. Her love and support to her family was unwavering. In later years, she enjoyed her new role as NaiNai to her 8 grandchildren equally, if not more, than her role as mother. Her grandchildren were an especially bright light in her life. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughters Kelly Bourgeois(Matthew) of North Kingstown, RI and Kathryn Hickey(James) of Scituate, MA, and son John Fyans(Marie) of Weddington, NC, as well as eight loving grandchildren; Caroline and Kathryn Bourgeois, Ellie, Declan, Rory and Finn Fyans and Teagan and Beckett Hickey. She also leaves behind her beloved cousin Bradford Dowty of Tiverton, RI and brothers Edward Freeman of Utica, NY and John Freeman of Fall River, MA. Carole will also be deeply missed by her comfort dog, Mango. The family would like to extend special thanks and appreciation to Debra Gotthelf for the love and affectionate care she provided Carole during her greatest time of need, as well as the Narragansett Fire and Rescue Department for their rapid and courteous assistance to Richard at any time of day or night, and to Hope Hospice for the comfort provided to Carole and her family. To say that Carole will be missed would be an understatement. To know her was to love her. Her sense of humor and joie de vivre were infectious. In lieu of flowers, donations in Caroles memory to Alzheimers Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, PO Box 1950, Clarksburg, MD 20871 would be greatly appreciated.