Carol Ann Houlihan

Carol Houlihan, 73 of Creedmoor, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2021, peacefully in her sleep.  Born in Middle Village, NY, Carol was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Stanwick) Houlihan and sister of the late Dennis Houlihan of Methuen, Ma.  She graduated from Floral Park Memorial High School in Floral Park, NY.  She lived in Springtown and Azle, Texas for just over 40 years before relocating to North Carolina to be closer to her family.  Carol is deeply missed by her daughter Sharon Cutler and her husband Marc of Raleigh, NC, her son Steven LaForgia and his wife Patricia of Monroe Twp, NJ, 4 grandsons, Noah, Jake, Leo and Max and her sister Jeanne Houlihan of New Jersey as well as her Nieces, Nephews and many Cousins and Aunts and Uncles that she loved dearly.

Carol may not have lived a 'rich' life in the form of nice cars and big houses, but she lived a RICH life that can only be aspired to. She lived her life fully, on her terms and with great self-determinism. At 73 years old she was an extremely active person.  She was courageous and brave and knew no fear. At 68 she packed up her entire life and moved across the country to North Carolina to be closer to family. Once here she quickly established herself, made good friends and started a few small businesses. Some of them were successful and some were not so much, but it never stopped her, she just went out and tried again.

Carol was very involved in the dog breeding and showing world, successfully showing and having her dogs win at Westminster. She pioneered the breed with her dog Potter who became the first Portuguese Podengo Pequeno to take best in show in AKC.   People from around the world that knew her have sent message after message and have had such kind words to share about how she helped them in some way.

In her lifetime she accomplished so much; she was the first female driver for Trailways buses in the 70's going in and out of what was then somewhat shady Port Authority, she drove 18-wheeler trucks across country and gravel trucks.  She drove charter buses from Texas to Maine and most of the country making friends and creating great stories. She was a photographer, a painter, she made stained glass, a gardener and was well versed in how to care for most animals. She has owned/raised dogs, cats, horses, cows, chickens, a few parrots & cockatiels, a boa constrictor, iguana, wallabies, hedgehogs, potbellied pigs, Emu and Ostriches, fainting goats, White Pyrenees dogs, Jack Russell Terriers and ending with Portuguese Podengos. She learned everything you could know about each of them and loved them dearly.

She had so very many friends, good, good friends. She made friends wherever she went and never met a stranger. So many people have responded to her passing with kind words and stories. Upon learning of her passing her closest friends that could flew or drove right over. Friends are so amazing, and she was so lucky to have so many in her life.

Carol loved her country and was fiercely patriotic. She had an American flag flying high in her front yard and on her porch. She wore red, white, and blue at any opportunity, cried at the National Anthem, loved parades, and thanked Veterans when she saw them.

Most importantly, Carol loved her family. She enjoyed getting together for holidays and dinners and made the most out of every opportunity to be with family.  She kept in touch with her Aunts and Uncles, Cousins from childhood and got to know their children. She loved hearing what everyone was doing. She loved her brother and sister and always stayed in touch with them and knew what was happening in their lives and the lives of her Nieces and Nephew. She loved her children immensely and was proud of everything they did. She adored their families and more than anything, she loved her grandsons, Noah, Jake, Leo, and Max.  Any opportunity to be a part of their lives or share a story about them brought a big smile to her face and made her so very happy.

Carol not only lived her life but fully experienced it. It was definitely way too soon to go, but she made the very most of the time she had. And we can all admire the hell out of that!

So, whatever your religious or spiritual beliefs are, we ask that you give thought to our Mom and wish her well on her next journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Be Well.

Much Love,

**We will be having a Celebration of her Life at our home on Saturday, September 11th at 3:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to

https://k9sforwarriors.org

Or

 'Hope for the Warriors' a local organization that directly supports the needs of our troops and their families.

https://support.hopeforthewarriors.org/give/166840/#!/donation/checkout