Carolyn Sue Scherr, 75, passed away at home on Sunday, February 19th, 2023, surrounded by her family and friends.
Carolyn was born in Brooklyn to Estelle Topf and George Shapiro. She was adopted and raised in Queens by her stepfather and stepmother Abraham and Gloria Cohen. She attended SUNY New Paltz and graduated with her Bachelors degree in education. She then lived in Ithaca where she met and married her husband, Les Scherr, in 1979. Together, Les and Carolyn lived in Fayetteville, New Paltz, and later Hopewell Junction, where they opened and ran the Hopewell Animal Hospital for almost 25 years. While living in Hopewell, Carolyn and Les discovered and fell in love with a plot of old farmland in New Paltz. They bought the property in 1988, and before they were able to build a home there, would have picnics and enjoy the view of the river and mountains. Finally in 1992, they built their dream house on the land, and moved there with their three sons, Jason Henry, Erik Michael, and Steven M. Carolyn considered being a mother to her boys her proudest achievement.
To those who loved her, Carolyn was known as a free spirit and a kind and generous friend. Throughout her life, it was deeply important to her to care for and provide a refuge to children and individuals in need. Carolyn also loved singing and dancing, roller skating, painting, playing the piano, thrifting, and giving gifts. She was a Chinese art enthusiast, and studied Chinese art history at SUNY New Paltz. She was a member of the Jewish Congregation of New Paltz, and served as President of the congregation for three terms. Carolyn was delighted to become a grandmother to Xyla Sue Scherr, Joseph Allen Scherr, and Jack Oliver Ross.
Carolyn is survived by and will be deeply missed by her husband, her three sons, three grandchildren, and countless other family members and close friends. A private memorial service to spread Carolyn’s ashes will take place in the spring. Condolences may be sent through Copeland Funeral Home.
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