Carolyn J. Samuels

Carolyn J. Samuels (Thompson), 65, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2024.

Born October 10, 1958 in Troy, NY, she was the daughter of the late Carolyn Aylesworth and William Thompson. Carolyn grew up in Latham, and was a graduate of Shaker High School in 1976 and attended Hudson Valley Community College to study Liberal Arts. She was employed by USPS as a clerk and letter carrier until 1991, and went on to work for the Xerox Corporation as a Business Service Facility Manager until 1996, and was a resident of Sloansville, NY until 1995.

Carolyn would embark on her journey to pursue her lifelong love of cooking and gardening by studying nutrition, embracing holistic and organic practices, which included macrobiotic training in Becket, MA. She would further her culinary studies at the School of Natural Cookery in Boulder, CO, earning a Personal Chef Certificate in Whole Food Cooking from 1996 to 1997.

Returning to her roots in the Adirondacks, Carolyn established herself as a personal chef, operating out of the historic Avery's Inn in Arietta. She later relocated to Columbia County, settling in the Chatham area in 2000, where she provided culinary classes and delectable meals using local, organic ingredients from the many farms in the surrounding area. Carolyn's talents expanded to designing kitchen gardens, where she cultivated and maintained perennial gardens until her illness in 2009.

Carolyn will be fondly remembered for her deep connection to the outdoors and her unwavering spirit in pursuing her dreams. Despite her battle with Multiple Myeloma since 2007, she maintained a positive outlook, inspiring those around her. Her love extended not only to nature but also to the animals she raised, particularly her cherished dogs, who accompanied her through life's adventures. Carolyn felt each day was a miraculous gift from God to be lived while enjoying family, friends and her beloved canine companions.

She is predeceased by her mother, Carolyn Stevenson (Aylesworth) and father, William Thompson.

Carolyn leaves behind to cherish her memory, her siblings, William "Bill" Thompson (Lianne), David Thompson (Andrea) and Michelle Thompson Nacy; niece, Krista Thompson (Dan); nephew, Justin Thompson (Katie); step-mother, Joan Thompson; along with her great nieces and nephews and many cousins and friends she has made throughout the path of life.

A memorial service will be held at 10AM on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Loudonville Presbyterian Church, 22 Old Niskayuna Rd, Loudonville, NY 12211.

At Carolyn's request, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to an animal rescue/shelter of one's choice, and to forward acts of kindness to others in their daily life practices.