Carol A. McGuirl

October 4, 1928 - October 27, 2020

UTICA - Mrs. Carol McGuirl, died on October 27, 2020, at the Masonic Care Community, in Utica, NY, after a long illness. She was born October 4, 1928, in Utica, the daughter of the late William and Caroline Essel Hackett. She graduated from St Francis deSales High School in 1946. On September 10, 1949, in St Francis deSales Church, she married Michael J. McGuirl. They shared 62 years together until his passing on March 16, 2012. Carol was employed at Utica Mutual Insurance Company, The Bank of Utica, and Oneida County BOCES, retiring in 1980, to become the day-care provider for her three beloved grandsons. Her memberships included: St. Francis deSales Alumni, the Christ Child Society, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and its Women’s Club, and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. The McGuirl summer home at Sylvan Beach was Carol’s “little piece of heaven”, where throughout over 40 years friends and relatives frequently popped in for a day, and were so welcomed (and well-fed) that they would often stay a week or more. Never seeking credit for herself, Carol was happy to be the one in the background, working quietly and tirelessly to make sure everyone around her was supported in whatever they did. She felt herself so fortunate to have been able to fulfill her lifelong dream when she and her dearest friend made a trip to Ireland. Carol is survived by sons, Sean McGuirl of Utica, Michael McGuirl (Tom Zahn) of Syracuse, and daughters Mary McGuirl of New Hartford, and Anne McGuirl (Steven Kussin, MD) of Utica; three grandsons, Todd (Elizabeth) Fox of San Francisco, CA, Sean Fox (Rochelle Germano) of Alexandria, VA, and Kevin Fox of Utica, four great-granddaughters, Skyler, Scout, Dena and Rosie, and her dearest lifelong friend, Shirley Maher of Columbus, Ohio. She was predeceased by her husband and two infant sons, her sister Mary Louise Van Wie, and brother William (Dorothy) Hackett. Funeral services will be private. Due to current Covid concerns, a memorial gathering will be scheduled at a later date. We would like to thank the staff at the Masonic Care Community, for the extraordinary care provided over the past four years. Particularly the caregivers on the Saranac Unit, who treated Carol like a beloved family member. Their kindness will never be forgotten. In Carol’s memory, please consider contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org). Arrangements are under the direction of McGrath, Myslinski, Karboski & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica.