Carol Joyce (Ercolino) Small, 82, of Milton, MA, formerly of West Hartford, a loving wife, mother, sister, dedicated teacher, and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 30, 2023. She was born on June 30, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY; and graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1962, and spent most of her life in West Hartford.

Carol's warm and kind-hearted personality endeared her to all who knew her. As a teacher, she touched the lives of countless children during her career spanning over 25 years. Her passion for teaching was evident in her commitment to her students and her ability to create a nurturing and supportive learning environment. Carol's last teaching position was at Charter Oak School in West Hartford, where she made a lasting impact on both students and colleagues.

Outside of her professional life, Carol had a deep love for children's books. She enjoyed collecting them and took great pleasure in meeting the authors. Eric Carle, renowned for his captivating illustrations, was one of her favorite, and she greatly admired the work of illustrator Jane Dyer. Carol's enthusiasm for literature extended to her own family, as she would often read to her daughters and later to her grandchildren, fostering a love for reading in the next generation.

One of Carol's greatest joys in life was spending time with her grandchildren. She loved taking them on adventures, whether it was exploring nature trails, visiting museums, or simply sharing stories and laughter. Carol's creativity and thoughtfulness shone through in the scrapbooks she meticulously created for each grandchild, capturing precious memories and moments they shared together.

Carol is survived by and will be greatly missed by her loving family, husband John T. Small Jr. of Milton, MA, formerly of West Hartford; daughters Debra Jean MacNeil and husband Lloyd of Milton, MA, and Julianne Small and significant other Dominic LaMonte of Delray Beach, FL; grandchildren Briana, Tyler, Emily, Isabella, and James; sister Kathie Broderick, husband Terry, nephews Michael and Tim Broderick, niece Kristin Daggett all of Charlotte, NC; brothers-in-law Woodbury Small of Daytona Beach, FL and Rodney Small, and wife Joyce of Herndon, VA and nephew Rodger Small.

The family would like to extend its gratitude to Benchmark at Clapboardtrees Street, Norwood, MA, Senior Helpers, Newton MA, and Caring Hospice Services for the kindness they showed in caring for her.

Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford will be overseeing arrangements. There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of St. Peter Claver in West Hartford, on Saturday January 6, 2024, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow immediately at Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest a donation in Carol Small’s name to either The Bridge Family Center, 1022 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107, or to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Road, Amherst, MA  01002.  Both organizations were dear to Carol's heart. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com