It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carol Anne Whitman, 81, of Accord, New York.

Born on March 3, 1945, in Ellenville, New York, Carol was the daughter of Joseph and Betty Solcberg. She graduated from Rondout Valley High School in 1962. On August 21, 1965, she married the love of her life, Robert B. Whitman, Jr., beginning a marriage filled with laughter and countless memories. Bob’s playful sense of humor kept life interesting, and Carol met his antics with patience, good humor, and a knowing smile.

Carol devoted herself to her family as a homemaker, creating a home rich in tradition, warmth, and love. Following Bob’s passing, she took the helm of The PX stores, working alongside her children to carry on the family business with the same quiet determination, resilience, and grace that defined her life.

Family was at the center of everything Carol did. She believed in the importance of gathering around the dinner table each evening, where stories were shared and memories were made. She had a remarkable gift for making others feel special, whether through a favorite meal, a thoughtful gesture, or a birthday card that never failed to arrive. She took great pride in keeping a beautiful home and was rarely seen without being beautifully put together herself.

Carol found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved tending to her plants, relaxing with a cup of tea, and was always ready to enjoy a good meal, whether gathered around the family table or dining out with those she loved. She especially looked forward to her weekly shopping trips and lunch dates with her cousin, Lorrie. She had a wonderfully silly sense of humor and a collection of endearing sayings and little superstitions her family will always remember. She often reminded those she loved that “the squeaky wheel gets the oil,” encouraging them to speak up for themselves, and believed that if someone sneezed immediately after saying something, it meant they had spoken the truth.

Her family often joked that Carol had a sixth sense. She seemed to know when someone wasn’t being completely truthful or when something was about to happen before anyone else did. Whether it was intuition or simply an extraordinary ability to read people, it was one of the many qualities that made her uniquely Carol.

Nothing brought Carol greater joy than being Grammy. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Robert and Madeleine knew that Grammy’s house meant favorite after-school snacks, candy bowls that were never empty, and a place where they were always welcomed with love. Though miles separated them, Carol treasured her frequent FaceTime calls with Kloie and Emie in Florida, making sure distance never stood in the way of sharing in their lives. Each of her grandchildren knew they were deeply and unconditionally loved.

Those who loved Carol will forever remember the unmistakable scent of her beloved Opium perfume, a fragrance that lingered gently after every visit and remains a comforting reminder of her presence.

Carol was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert B. Whitman, Jr., and by her parents, Joseph and Betty Solcberg.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherry Anne Giammichele; her son, Robert Joseph Whitman, and his wife, Izabella; her cherished grandchildren, Robert Whitman Giammichele, Madeleine Grace Giammichele, Kloie Ema Whitman, and Emie Ana Whitman; her brothers, Reginald (Helen) Solcberg and George (Jacklyn Knowles) Solcberg; her cousin, Lorrie Gray; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Carol’s legacy lives on in the everyday moments she made extraordinary. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and remembered with gratitude by all who have had the privilege of knowing her.

On behalf of Humiston Funeral Home, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Carol’s family and friends during this difficult time. It is our honor to assist in celebrating her life and preserving the memory of a woman so deeply loved. May the stories, traditions, and love she leaves behind bring comfort in the days ahead.