Carrie Irene Petzy's Obituary
Carrie Irene Petzy of Westborough, MA died Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center.
Since being diagnosed in 2021 with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare and incurable brain disease, Carrie bravely faced her future with the same determination and perseverance that defined her life. A free spirit, she was boldly true to herself, fiercely independent and adventurous.
Born on January 31, 1961, in Lawrence, MA, to the late Marian (Farrah) and Thomas Petzy, Carrie was the middle child in her loving family. She and her brothers rode their bikes everywhere, played outside all day, and spent summers at Salisbury Beach. Carrie spent countless hours with her many cousins, celebrating birthdays and holidays, making whirlpools at pool parties, and bowling at the Lawrence Rec under the team name “The Archies.”
A graduate of Lawrence High School, Carrie ruled the school. She earned twelve varsity letters in track and field, basketball, and field hockey, and was the first female class marshal. After receiving a basketball scholarship, Carrie graduated from Assumption College. She was later inducted into the LHS Athletic Hall of Fame.
A lifelong athlete, Carrie ran multiple marathons and half-marathons, shot hoops with her niece and nephew (patiently, as the athletic genes missed their generation) and participated in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day three times—a 60-mile walk that raises funds and awareness for breast cancer research.
Carrie forged her own career path. Her eclectic roles included asbestos remover, lifeguard at the Palm Beach Breakers, limo driver in Key West, basketball and field hockey coach, travel agent and tour guide operator, and USPS mail carrier. She notably endured one waitressing shift at Cedar Crest before informing her parents that she would never return. Eventually, she became a successful entrepreneur, establishing both Beachside Cleaning Lady and Petz Pets.
One of Carrie’s many gifts was not only making but maintaining friendships, evident in the steady stream of visitors and mail during her PSP journey. These friends brightened her days with laughter and shared memories, and provided meaningful and vital support.
Carrie met her partner Paula Lemieux nearly two decades ago. They built a wonderful life surrounded by dear friends in Indialantic, FL, where they lived life to the fullest in their beautiful beach community. As Carrie’s illness progressed, Paula’s devotion to Carrie was complete, reflecting the depth of their love. She was Carrie’s unwavering champion, fiercest advocate, and extraordinary caregiver.
The world is less bright without our Queen, Carrie Irene. She expressed herself with colors, tattoos, and edgy hairstyles, never boxed in by anyone else’s expectations. She drove a red pickup truck and was a vegetarian well before it was mainstream. After finding a pregnant stray cat, she became the proud mother of her beloved girls, CG, Puffy, and Whitey. She was a risk taker, unafraid to start a business, ride a motorcycle, or run a marathon. Carrie believed no one had to fit a certain mold. Her smile and laugh were iconic. She was a hero to the end with her fighting spirit. Her legacy is long-lasting and deep: wherever you go, spread peace, love and good vibes.
In addition to Paula, Carrie is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Jayne Petzy; brother, Paul Petzy; niece, Olivia Petzy (Rich Binning); nephew, Luke Petzy (Corie); great-nephew, Alfie; great-niece, Lily; and many cousins and close friends.
Family and friends may call on Thursday, June 4, from 5–8 PM at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, 122 Amesbury St., Lawrence, MA. A memorial service will be held at the same location on Friday, June 5, at 11 AM, with a burial following at the United Lebanese Cemetery at 50 Corbett Rd., Andover, MA. Memorial contributions may be made in Carrie’s honor to CurePSP (https://www.psp.org) or your local animal shelter.
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