Carol Defuria

Carol Wesleyn (Johnson) DeFuria, 75, of 35 Willow Way, Saranac Lake, died on Sunday, March 6, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on April 7, 1946, in Saranac Lake, the daughter of Carl and Alice (Gonyea) Johnson. Carol married Barry S. DeFuria on January 27, 1968, at the Methodist Church in Saranac Lake due to the fire at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

Carol graduated from St. Pius High School in 1965 and Malone School of Practical Nursing in 1966. She began her nursing career at the Saranac Lake General Hospital and worked for various Doctor’s offices, Drs. Jeff Gordon and Denise Ferrando, Adirondack Audiology and Dr. Ernestone at his Lake Placid office. She retired after working at Lakeside House, Inc. but she continued to work as a caretaker for Dr. and Mrs. Leonard Bristol.

Carol was a one of the founding members of the football booster club which then became known as the Saranac Lake 5th Quarter Club. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary NY, Unit 0447 and Women of the Moose Lodge # 1909.

Carol was a lifelong resident of Saranac Lake. She had an appreciation for nature that comes from a lifetime of living in the Adirondacks. Her favorite place to be, was in the sun with friends and family. It didn’t matter if she was boating in the summer on Upper and Lower Saranac Lakes or spending springtime in Daytona Beach Shores, FL. It was in her nature to know how to find the ‘silver-lining’ in times of difficulty, and how to become that light for anyone in need of a bit of hope. Carol’s effortless ability to support and encourage her loved ones is one of the many gifts she leaves with us.

Carol will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her infectious laughter, and her ability to light up any room she entered. Cheers to you, Carol, from those who called her Mom, Gram, Gigi, or ‘Pudgie’, our lives are fuller from having you in them.

She is survived by a daughter, Tracy DeFuria-Mauler of Saranac Lake; a son, Michael DeFuria (Karen Connors) of Clifton Park; her ex-husband, Barry DeFuria of Lake Clear; her partner, Stephen Farmer of Vermontville; four grandchildren: Courtney Youngs of Saranac Lake; Jonathan Mauler (Katheryn) of Murrieta, CA; Travis DeFuria of Saranac Lake and Ashley Mauler (Dalton Ryan) of Dighton, MA; four great grandchildren: Madison and Jaydan Jr. Youngs and Emilia and Scarlet Mauler; three sisters: Beverly Pickreign of Saranac Lake, Jessie (Bruce) Becker of The Woodlands, TX and Mary Beth (Bobbie) Miley of Walterboro, SC; and one niece and five nephews; Sue Amell, Kenneth (Linda) Pickreign, Jeffrey Pickreign, Adam (Nadia) Jones, Wesley and Jacob Beach; and many cousins and close friends.

She was predeceased by her mother and father and a brother, Tony, several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral Arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, March 17, 2022 from 4-7pm. A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, March 18, 2022 at 11am at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Her final resting place with be held privately this summer.

Friends wishing to remember Carol may make memorial contributions to the Women of the Moose or the Saranac Lake 5th Quarter Club in care of the funeral home.

Family and friends can also view Carol’s Tribute Video and share their written or video condolences and memories at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com