Carol Ann McDonough Brainard, 77, previously of Rumson, passed away peacefully Nov. 21, 2023, in her home in Asbury Park.
Carol was born January 16, 1946, in Orange, the daughter of George P. and Anna Rose McDonough. Carol, the oldest of seven, was raised in Nutley where she attended St. Mary’s Grammar School. She went to high school at Our Lady of Good Counsel and earned her LPN at Overlook Hospital in Summit.
After a few moves, Carol and her family settled in Rumson where her four children were raised. As her children grew, Carol found herself back in her professional passion, nursing. For 20 years she was a dedicated home healthcare nurse to high-risk pediatric patients.
Her six grandsons were her joy; holidays were not complete without grandma’s “orange” and baked goodies. Special grandma adventures would end with a new treasure or treat and a kiss with a whisper, “Don’t tell your Mother, boys.”
Her gorgeous view of the ocean and beach from her perch in Asbury Park always made her smile.
Carol is survived by her children, Maryann Baret (Scott), Lucy Brainard, Robert I. Brainard III, Margaret Brainard-Bland (Peter); grandchildren, Alex, Max, Nolan, Ryan, Sean and Richard; siblings, George McDonough (Nancy), Jane Hetzel (Paul), Kevin McDonough (Kay), James McDonough, Brian McDonough and Sean McDonough; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, George P. McDonough Jr. (1977) and Anna Rose McDonough (2020); sister-in-law Jackie McDonough (2023); and her beloved dogs, Maggie (2000) and P.B. (2003).
Thank you to Kashmira Patel, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Hospice nurses, aids and staff, and the staff of Take Care Companions.
A celebration of life will be held in January.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in honor of Carol Brainard to JDRF, Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund at jdrf.org/donate or (800) 533-CURE (2873) to give a memorial donation in her name.
This article originally appeared in the December 14 – 20, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
