Carol A. Jeffers
On July 4th at 1:26 am, our beautiful mom, Carol, passed away peacefully at the age of 87. On this symbolic date, she is finally free from the inevitable challenges of her later years. We were so fortunate to get her to the Pines of Peace, where she quickly found the calm, comfort, and dignity she so richly deserved.
Carol became a mother at a very young age and for a few years raised my brother and I as a single mom. Throughout her life, she worked as many jobs as it took to keep us in the game, shielding us from the tough times. We grew up lacking nothing, not because we had material wealth, but because she made sure we had enough to be happy, independent people. She filled our lives with simple, unforgettable pleasures: a meticulously clean home, fresh lilacs on the kitchen table, homemade lemonade, and her absolute presence at every single childhood activity.
Within a few years, Carol met Fred Alati. He gave her the big family life she had always craved growing up, and she made the most of it for her children. She taught us responsibility by example, showing us how to work hard. She and our dad also shared a profound sense of adventure. In 1972, they packed us up and moved from New York to Arizona. Dad drove the U-Haul, and Mom courageously drove the family Ford station wagon across the country with four kids and the family dog, turning a massive move into an exciting adventure. In her prime, she committed to exploring the world and traveled constantly to see her grandchildren scattered across the country.
Carol had a massive heart and a deep commitment to giving back. She worked in healthcare, volunteered as an ambulance tech, hosted exchange students from Japan (even traveling to Japan as an honored wedding guest), and later drove elderly neighbors to appointments. She possessed a sharp intuition and maintained her full mental capacity right until the end, taking in every word even when she became non-verbal.
We will remember her undying love for her family, her fierce loyalty, her enormous strength, her knack for turning $50 into $150 at the stores, and her love of sweets. Her home was always a comfortable haven where everyone felt welcomed, well-fed, and loved. Before she crossed over, her granddaughter asked her to send us signs from the afterlife, and she already has.
Carol was predeceased by her first husband, Fred Alati, and later by her husband of 37 years, Ross Jeffers. She is survived by her children, Joseph Alati (Heidi), Richard Alati, Deborah Graston (Michael), and Fred Alati (Paula); countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her nephews and nieces; her best friend and sister-in-law, Adeane and Mike Giagios; and her lifelong best friends, Toni and George Dougherty, and Darlene Dalley. Carol did not want to have a funeral service. There will be a Celebration of Life here in Rochester in October as well as in Arizona where she lived for 57 years. All who knew and loved Carol will carry a part of her spirit with them.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pines of Peace (https://pinesofpeace.org/donate/), a comfort home that helps people pass from this life with unmatched dignity, love, and peace.