Caroline Buechele Johanesen, 88, of Southbury, formerly of New Fairfield and Newtown, passed away peacefully on February 6.

Carol was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Terrence M. Johanesen, Sr.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Carol was a daughter of Eugene and Emma (Fink) Buechele. She attended school in Brooklyn where she graduated Valedictorian from Bishop McDonnall Memorial High School.

Carol is survived by her children who will miss her incredibly: Terrence M. Johanesen Jr of Southbury and Laura Johanesen Natale and “her favorite son-in-law” Fran Natale. She also leaves her grandchildren who meant everything to her: Jason Natale, Tara Natale-Bienvenu (Aaron), Emma Johanesen and Alex Johanesen; three great grandchildren, Noah, Kaiden and Savanah; and many nieces and nephews whom she adored.

She is also survived by her sister, Jeanette Hoerman (Joe), with whom she shared a great love and special bond; her brother, Eugene Buechele, Jr (Rachel) and her sister-in-law, Maryann Johanesen, whom Carol considered one of her dearest friends. They could and would spend many hours laughing, crying, and everything in between on the telephone.

Carol enjoyed her lifelong work in telephone and communications which began at the NY Telephone Company in NYC. Upon moving to Connecticut with her husband, she was employed at Rotophone in Danbury, then many years at the Newtown Police and Ambulance switchboard located in the Edmond Town Hall, and lastly at Danbury Hospital Communications where she finally retired at age 75.

At the time when Carol was raising her family in Newtown on Apple Blossom Lane, her neighbors soon became cherished family as well, and together they enjoyed many life adventures. She was a member of St Rose Parish and St Edward the Confessor Parish.

Traveling with her husband was one of Carol’s passions and a frequent subject of her stories. Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco was one of her favorite places to visit.

Always devoted and generous, Carol absolutely looked forward to gathering her children and grandchildren for summer beach vacations be it at Bethany Beach, Delaware; Ocean City, Maryland; or Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Each and every vacation became cherished memories for each and every family member.

Carol will be sadly missed also by the hummingbirds and assorted wild birds that came to visit her feeders and to say hello. A lover of animals, Carol cherished her pets. Those who have also passed are waiting for her.

There will be a celebration of her life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Caroline’s name to Danbury Animal Welfare Society (daws.org) or to National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org).