Frances “Carol” Coleman Podolsky, 87, of Massachusetts passed away peacefully from complications of pneumonia and multiple falls on March 19, 2025.

She was born in Brockton, MA shortly before Christmas in 1937, prompting her three older brothers to nickname her their “Christmas Carol,” and she was known as Carol throughout her life. Following her graduation from Brockton schools, she graduated from Fisher Junior College and then enjoyed several years working at the Rust Craft card company. 

She married Paul Podolsky, a teacher and eventual Assistant Principal in Brockton Public Schools, and then her life’s focus turned to raising her children and caring for her family.  She loved cooking, was a voracious reader, and was a dedicated bargain shopper who always wanted to know, “Is it on sale?”  She and Paul enjoyed retirement years in Wilmington, NC, then after his passing she returned to Massachusetts to live near her daughter.  In later years, even as her health declined, she continued to enjoy baking, sending her famous apple breads to friends and family whenever she thought someone needed to be cheered up or consoled.  She also enjoyed tending her houseplants, reading books about WWII history, watching the news, talking on the phone with friends, donating items to a nearby food pantry, watching birds, and eating anything with chocolate.

Carol was predeceased by her husband Paul and all six of her siblings. Surviving family members with whom she was closest in recent years include her daughter and devoted caregiver Ellen Podolsky and her wife Sharon Tentarelli of Sudbury, MA;  grandson Mark Tentarelli of Washington DC; sister-in-law Charlotte Podolsky of Roslyn, NY; cousin Jean Shirhall of Arlington, VA; and sister-in-law Marilyn Coleman of Hilton Head, SC who predeceased her in February.

At Carol’s request, there will be no memorial service.  To celebrate her life and honor her memory, we encourage you to eat a chocolate donut and donate some canned goods to your local food pantry.