Carol Houle

Carol Houle, age 57, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, following a courageous battle with lung cancer diagnosed in July 2025. Throughout her illness, she faced each day with remarkable strength, resilience, and determination.

Born on January 4, 1969, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Carol lived a life defined by love, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. Being a mother was the role she cherished most. She worked hard, gave selflessly, and made countless sacrifices to provide her daughter with opportunities she never had herself. Her strength was often quiet, but her love was unmistakable. She showed those around her that love is found in the everyday moments—in showing up, putting others first, and never giving up.

One of her greatest joys was becoming a grandmother. Known affectionately as "Gabba," Carol adored her granddaughter, Aurora, who was the light of her world. She treasured every milestone, every visit, and every opportunity to spoil her with a new book, toy, or little surprise. The bond they shared was incredibly special, and the love she poured into Aurora will remain part of her legacy for generations to come.

Carol shared 16 years with her devoted partner, Richard "Rick" Bartlett. Their life together was filled with love, companionship, and countless memories. Rick stood faithfully by her side throughout her cancer journey, providing love, care, and support. The years they shared and the bond they built were an important and cherished part of Carol's life.

Carol found great fulfillment in her career at Adirondack Regional Federal Credit Union, where she began as a teller and eventually became a manager. She genuinely enjoyed helping members and building lasting relationships throughout her years there. Her coworkers and the people she served became an important part of her life, making the decision to leave a career she loved especially difficult.

Beyond her family and career, Carol found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved making handmade cards for the people she cared about, always finding a reason to celebrate or brighten someone's day. During her cancer journey, the cards she received in return became treasured reminders of how deeply she was loved. She cherished time with friends, weekend getaways, and a recent girls' trip, as well as the special memories made during her two trips to Nashville. She never turned down a Hallmark movie and had a lifelong love of country music. Above all, she loved making memories with the people closest to her.

Throughout her cancer journey, Carol endured treatments, setbacks, victories, and disappointments with the same strength and determination that defined her life. Cancer became part of her story, but it was never the whole story. She will be remembered for so much more than her illness.

In honoring Carol's life, her family hopes her story also serves as a reminder of the importance of tobacco prevention, early detection, and hope. Those who meet the eligibility guidelines for lung cancer screening are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider. For anyone who uses tobacco, quitting is never too late, and support is available. If Carol's story encourages even one person to seek screening or quit tobacco, her legacy may help protect another family.

Carol is survived by her loving daughter, Allysa Williams; her son-in-law, Bradley Williams; her cherished granddaughter, Aurora Williams; her partner, Richard Bartlett and his daughter, Katie Bartlett; her fathers, Harrison Kincaid Jr. and Richard Houle, and Harrison's wife, Laura Kincaid; her siblings, Cindy Roy, Richard Houle, Paula Jolley, and Harrison Kincaid III; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Kincaid, and her grandmother, Irene Girard.

Those who knew Carol will remember her resilience, selflessness, generous heart, and fierce love for her family. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the lives she touched and the generations that follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Hope Lodge in Burlington, Vermont, or the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vermont, in Carol's memory.

A private graveside service will be held for immediate family. A celebration of Carol's life will be planned for spring 2027, with details to be shared at a later date.