Remembering Carol Randel

Carol Randel — a longtime Westporter, college professor and noted local volunteer — died last night, surrounded by her family.

She was  74, and had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 5 years ago.

Carol grew up in Stamford. She graduated from New York University, with majors in English and education.

She and her future husband Jim met as teenagers in summer camp. They married in 1970, and moved to Westport 6 years later.

Carol began teaching as an adjunct English professor at Norwalk Commnity College when her children were teens. When a full-time position became available, her supervisor recommended her for the job. She did not have the requisite master’s degree. Her supervisor held the position whle Carol taught during the day, and earned her master’s degree at night.

She eventually became a full-time professor, and got tenure. She retired in 2016.

At NCC, Carol incorporated and ran the national “First Year Experience program. She believed strongly in its effectiveness, which helps students transition from high school to college through mentorship, tutoring, discussions, clubs, activites and more.

She particularly appreciated how the curriculum offerd support to students from less fortunate backgrounds, those struggling with academics, and non-native speakers.

Carol Randel

Carol’s volunteer efforts spanned a wide range of organizations and causes, from education and homelessness to the arts, and impacted countless lives.

Her positions included president of both the PTA Council and Kings Highway Elementary School; chair of the townwide School Art Committee; member of the town’s diversity committee; head of fundraising for Toquet Hall; board of directors member and newsletter editor for A Better Chance of Westport; publicity chair for Near & Far Aid, and most recently, board of directors member for Homes with Hope.

Carol was also a columnist for the Westport News and Fairpress. She was an avid reader and loved to write, often working on multiple novels at a time.

Carol was an enthusiastic member of the Saugatuck Rowing Club, where she had a very successful career on the water for over 25 years. She had never considered herself an athlete until she began rowing. She served as commodore of the SRC from 2007-08. Her rowing friends, competitions and the club meant a great deal to her.

Carol Randel at the Head of the Charles regatta. This photo was taken 2 years after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her boat won an age group goal medal.

Carol and her husband Jim raised 4 children, all of whom went through the Westport public schools.

She is survived by her husband Jim; children Zack (Sarah), Becky (Charlie Manuel), Eli (Kiley), and Phoebe (Shaun Donnelly); granchildren Thea, Helen and Franny Randel; Max and Benny Manuel; Quinn and MacKenzie Randel, and Tommy and Josie Donnelly; sisters Lynn Manheim, Anne Leepson and Joanie Ornstein; sister- and brother-in law Susan and Kevin Denny, and brothers-in-law David Randel and Gene Manheim.

A celebration of life will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Homes with Hope.