NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - Carol Elizabeth Mariani, 76, of The Villages, Fla., passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2019.

She was born in New London, Conn., on March 11, 1943. From a young age her older sister Marvy encouraged her to sing, which led to her becoming a professional opera singer and voice instructor. Carol was a gifted artist enjoying painting and embroidery. She was an avid animal lover and supported animal charities. Carol is missed dearly by her cats, the long tails.

She is survived by her husband Ralph; nieces Bethany Altobelli and Laurie Hurley; nephew David Strohsahl; stepdaughters Tina DiSanti and Linda Mariani; stepsons Bruce Mariani and Ron Mariani; numerous great nieces and nephews; and several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Carlton Fiske and Dorothy Kathryn Fiske; sister Marvalyn Joan Strohsahl and her husband George Henry Strohsahl; and her stepson in law Robert J. DiSanti.

Funeral notice: A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2019, at 11 a.m. in Southview Cemetery in North Adams, Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to ASPCA in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.