[Obituary]
A much-loved Carol V. Marchi left this world unexpectedly on March 6, 2017. She leaves behind her sons Joe and David (Jim), granddaughters Ashley and Angelica, brother Bill Veno (Judy), many sisters, relatives and close friends. Born on October 12, 1940, in Attleboro, Massachusetts to New England natives Helen (Farrell) and Russell Veno, "active daughter" Carol was head majorette, senior class Vice President, and winner of a country-wide competition with her original speech "Voice of Democracy." She graduated valedictorian from North Attleboro High School in 1958, then attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to continue her academic and leadership achievements and was president of UMA's Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter. After graduating Cum Laude in English, Carol was accepted at Stanford University's Graduate School, moved to California, and earned her Masters Degree in English. Her residence at Stanford began her love of the Bay Area and many life-long friendships. Teaching at Aragon High School (where her sons would later attend), she met the love of her life, Joe Marchi and shared a love of faith, family and service to others. Carol and Joe married in 1965 at Immaculate Conception Church in San Francisco. They immediately planted roots in San Mateo, started their family and appreciated and enjoyed Bay Area living. A life-long learner and seeker, Carol always sought new experiences and inspirations, and loved family, friends, faith, spirituality, literature, travel, theatre, writing, her Irish heritage and a bit of shopping. She fostered deep connections with friends old and new and enjoyed an active social and spiritual life. Most recently, Carol lead Saint Bartholomew's Social Justice Group, volunteered at Mission Hospice, started a book group at her Foster City Spinnaker Cove complex, and participated daily in her granddaughters' lives. She left her earthly life too soon, but with a life full of selfless giving, a heart full of compassion, gratitude and kindness, and endless connections with those she touched. The family is comforted that Carol is with her beloved Joe and know she has left behind that Irish Pot of Gold as they continue together "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". A Vigil Service will be held at 7pm on Sunday, March 19, 2017 followed by a Memorial Mass at 11am on Monday, March 20, 2017. All services will be held at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 300 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA. Inurnment at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma, CA. The family will plan a Memorial Service in Massachusetts this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to St. Bartholomew Church, Mission Hospice & Homecare, www.kiva.org/team/carol_marchi, or any organization that promotes compassionate support for those in need.