FULTON, NY – Caroline Sunnie Richardson passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday March 19, 2016, after a long, painful, courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
She was born on November 9, 1953, to Stanley and Merva Walasek of Florence, NY.
Caroline graduated from Camden High School in 1971 and from SUNY College at Delhi in 1973.
After working in business, she continued her education at SUNY Brockport earning a B.S. degree in the field of physical education in 1981.
She then earned her Master’s degree at SUNY Cortland in health education in 1986 while working full-time at Carrier Corporation in Syracuse.
Caroline taught for two years in the Syracuse City School District before she became a teacher of physical education in 1988 at G. Ray Bodley High School in Fulton, until her retirement in the fall of 2015.
While at Fulton, she found her passion as the varsity girls’ volleyball coach for the past 28 years, leading her teams to career wins totaling 415, a regional championship and more than 16 league and sectional titles.
She loved to play volleyball as well.
Her Empire State Senior team was gold medal winners seven years in a row at the Senior Games in Cortland, NY.
They qualified and competed in Senior National games across the U.S. for the past 10 years, and won the National Championship in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2013.
Caroline was a hard-working, kind, conscientious soul, with a smile that warmed the room.
She loved coaching “her girls,” traveling, the outdoors, spending time with her girlfriends, shopping, hiking, golfing, camping … and doing just about anything with her husband!
She is survived by so many who love her.
Her husband, Dave Richardson of Sterling; stepson, Zachary; sister, Norayne (Ricardo) Rosero of Sauquoit, NY; niece, Donna Walasek and her three boys, Nolan, Jonah and Connor; and some incredible neighbors.
Caroline was predeceased by her father and mother; sister, Dawn Walasek; and brother, Lyndon Walasek.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Foster Funeral Home, 910 Fay St., Fulton.
A celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fulton Athletic Booster Club or the Hope for Heather Foundation.
Foster Funeral Home, Inc.
www.fosterfuneralhome.com
missing or outdated ad config
Dave; Tammy and I are SO sorry we cannot be there in your moment of loss. We heard the news from Teri Harvey since we are visiting relatives/friends in Florida. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We are truly sorry to hear of Caroline’s passing & her family’s loss of a wonderful person. Though we went separate ways after high school, I always thought of her as a dear friend. Looking back on our high school experience, I recall my admiration of her amazing talents displayed in the sports we participated in. I.n recognition of her talent our class voted her best athlete. She also displayed her musical talent in orchestra, All-State competition as well as solo competition.She was a member of National Honor Society. We are saddened at the loss of such a special class mate
Dave and families, as a co-worker, friend and my daughter’s volleyball coach, we will miss her enthusiasm and courage. Our thoughts are with you. Suzanne