ROCKLAND — Carol Lee Elwell, 81, went home to be with the Lord, peacefully, April 8, 2015.

Born in Rockland, she was the daughter of Milton and Christine Giles Elwell. Educated locally she was a graduate of Rockland High School.

Following high school, Carol began her career with the City of Rockland in 1952, shortly after the city adopted the council form of government. She served as assistant to the city's first manager, and continued in that capacity through 39 years of city managers. She retired in April 1991, as assistant to Cathy Sleeper.

Carol loved the Lord and was a long-time active member of the Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church. For many years Carol served as the church organist. Her friends remembered she played for services right up until last Sunday's Easter service, when her health kept her from the organ bench. She had a heart for missions and often made doll clothes to give to the Salvation Army at Christmas and to help fund mission projects.

She was an accomplished crafter, crocheting many beautiful works. Each year she entered her creations into local fairs, often winning blue ribbons.

One of Carol's most notable qualities was her love of photography. It was very rare to see her out-and-about without her camera. She loved taking pictures of people she met as well as events and places she went. Carol even made the transition to a digital camera when film became a thing of the past.

She was a very thoughtful person, never forgetting to send a card for birthdays, holidays and special occasions. Always planning in advance, she had cards at the ready for those she loved, often adding personal notes, a newspaper clipping or a photo. Although she never married and had no immediate family of her own, Carol touched the lives of many people. Her church family was very important to her, and she adopted the family of her mother's dear friend as her own. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Carol is loved and remembered by Alberta Putansu, with whom she grew up like a sister, and her husband Harold of Warren; an adopted niece and her family, Kathleen Williams and her husband, Walter “Greg,” of Warren; adopted great-nephew, Andrew Williams and his wife, Rebekah, of Warren; her adopted great-niece, Kelly Sacco and her husband, Joseph, of Clearwater, Fla.; her adopted great-great-nieces, Sophia and Ava Williams; as well as many caring close friends and neighbors, and her beloved church family.

A home-going celebration will be held Friday, April 17 at 11 a.m. at Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church, 1 Waldo Ave. in Rockland. The Revs. Dr. Linwood Welch and Mark Adolphsen will officiate. Interment in Achorn Cemetery will be announced in the late spring.

Flowers are gratefully accepted, and those who wish may make donations to the Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.