Carol A. French's Obituary
ANDOVER - Carol A. (Pikiel) French, 82, of Andover, passed away peacefully on August 30th, 2021, with her family at her side.
She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Robert French, her children Sharon French Grewal and her husband Harpreet of Cambridge, MA, Michael French of Andover MA and his wife Mayumi, Daniel French of Emeryville, Ca, and her sister Gladys A. Andersen and her husband Russell, of Worcester. She was the grandmother of Ishan and Anya Grewal and Eimi and Aki French. Her son Robert H. French III, three brothers, Edward L. and Chester L. and Harry J Pikiel, and sister Genevieve Pikiel Larievy predeceased her.
Carol was born in Worcester, the daughter of Longin and Malvina (Bandelevich) Pikiel on August 17th, 1939. She graduated from Ascension High School and Worcester State University. After starting her career as an elementary school teacher, Carol developed a passion for tole and decorative painting which she turned into a career. She began selling artwork from her home, joined an artisan cooperative, and eventually opened the Village Sampler, a gift store in Andover featuring her hand painted items. Her home was always beautifully decorated to reflect the changing of the seasons and holidays. She was multitalented and endlessly creative, tackling every home project with enthusiasm. Carol was all about family, especially her children and grandchildren. She was a longtime member of St. Robert's Church in Andover, MA.
An avid sports fan, Carol started off cheering for local Worcester hero Bob Cousy and the Holy Cross basketball team. She was a loyal and enthusiastic supporter of New England sports, and especially loved the Celtics and the Patriots. Carol loved gardening, painting, and reading. She enjoyed her many trips traveling abroad to Europe and Japan.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA, and the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA for their loving care.
Interment will be at West Parish Garden Cemetery in Andover. Services will be private. Donations in Carol's memory may be made to the JDRF, www.jdrf.org. For more information or to send an online condolence, please go to: www.breenfuneralhome.com.
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