Obituary of Carol Ann Fertig

“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” ― George Bernard Shaw Carol Ward Fertig led an amazing life that we were blessed to share. After absorbing many life experiences and lessons, Carol returned to school and earned several academic degrees. She was resourceful and resilient, and continued to be a learner throughout the rich course of her life, embracing many different interests and working through the loss of her daughter, our beloved Mary. Carol was the devoted companion of the men in her life. Education was critical to Carol. She was a constant learner who instilled a drive for high-level education into her children and their children as well. She was a serious researcher with out-of-the-box thinking, promoting woman leadership and women’s rights. After raising her seven children, Carol earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in Gerontology from Empire State. She was cofounder and CEO of Scott Douglas Real Estate. She also founded the successful eBay business, H-Flat records. Carol was a trail blazer. She was an accomplished dancer, singer, and pianist, promoting and enjoying many forms and styles of music, particularly early Jazz. She consumed music as others consume chocolate -which she also enjoyed. She loved her books, playwrights, and poetry of all kinds, collecting art and antiques. She was always intrigued and interested in style, specializing in color and texture, and enjoyed water and sunsets. She was a great cook with a focus on nutrition and international flavors ahead of her time. Carol put pride into everything she did. Carol designed and built the unique homestead of her dream with the man of her dreams, John Ward. She cultivated oriental gardens inspired by a local master gardener and loved to weed and tend her outdoor gardens. Carol was known for helping others through their rough times, a fine hostess of an eclectic salon of thinkers and creators, an important mentor, and an inspiration to many. She was appreciated by all those around her as a diamond in the rough, with all her imperfections and brilliant facets. We thank her for teaching us by her example. She was feisty, persistent, complicated, determined, inspiring, unique, multifaceted, legendary, and always giving it her all. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the compassionate care given by the hospice (Pam, Jan, and Jennifer) and family caregivers to assist Mom over the years and in the last days. We love you Carol, from your loving husband, children, their families and your many friends. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Ontario-Yates Hospice or Light Hill in Carol Ward Fertig’s name.