Carol Cruz Nelson, 76 of Needham MA, originally from Chicopee MA passed away peacefully from pancreatic cancer on October 17th surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Holyoke, MA, on January 2, 1947, Carol graduated from Chicopee Comprehensive High School. She went on to further her education at Holyoke Community College, graduating from U. Mass. Amherst with a B.A. in English and from Boston College with an M.A. in Education.

Carol was a dedicated career educator beginning in Medfield, MA in the 1970's, teaching middle school English for over 34 years. There she formed many rich relationships with colleagues and students. She retired in 2007. During several summers she volunteered to teach English to Chinese English teachers in Chengdu, Beijing, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia and Shunyi, all with the English Language Institute of China. These challenging and inspiring teaching experiences broadened her global perspective as she used her teaching skills and faith to become an ambassador for friendship.

Carol was a long-time member of Grace Chapel in Lexington MA. She joined in several Grace Chapel Cross Cultural Learning Experiences, in Nigeria, Nepal, and most recently Guatemala. The adventure of travel, the desire to serve others, and her devotion to family and friends defined her life, as well as her passion for life-long learning.

She enjoyed the arts, music, outdoor activities, hiking, skiing, and the beaches of New England. She was a long-term member of the Boston based "Sitzundjibers" singles group where she formed many lasting friendships.

Carol is predeceased by her loving parents Salvador Cruz of Springfield, MA and Teresa Fournier Plante of Chicopee, MA.

She leaves behind her beloved sisters, Mary Jane Cruz Pinzone (John Pinzone) of Bradenton, FL, and Donna Cruz Sajdak (Ronald Sajdak) of Chicopee MA.

She also leaves behind her dear nephews and nieces: Todd Sajdak (Kristen) of Franklin, MA, Jeffrey Sajdak (Guida) of Belchertown, MA, Sheryl Pinzone Nir (Adi) of Frisco, TX, and Diane Cieplik (Ken) of Norfolk, MA.

She is the proud great aunt to five fun-loving grand nieces and nephews: Katherine Sajdak Taylor (Noah) of Douglas MA; Nicholas Sajdak, and Andrew Sajdak, both of Norfolk MA, and Emily Sajdak and Nathan Sajdak, both of Belchertown, MA.

Carol cherished her aunts and uncles: Beatrice Desrosiers of Venice, FL, Louis and Simone Fournier of Chicopee MA, as well as many cousins. She also was blessed by many dear friends from her faith community.

A celebration of life will take place at 10am on Nov. 17th at Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Road, Lexington, MA followed by a reception in the courtyard at Fellowship Hall from 11-2pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Foresight Development International (Nepal), 8 Daniels Drive, Bedford, MA 01730 or Peer Servants (Guatemala and Nigeria), 591 North Ave 2nd Floor, Wakefield, MA 01880.