Carole J. Ott, 80

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  Carole J. Ott died peacefully on the Fourth of July in her home surrounded by loving family.

She was born in Adams, MA on August 19, 1942, the daughter of Shagal and Alice Solomon and graduated from Adams High School. She was later introduced to her soon-to-be husband, Reinhold, now deceased, at a local Big Band dance by mutual friends. The result was fifty years of love and companionship.

She volunteered in the Williamstown elementary school for many decades as an assistant librarian and served as a CCD educator at St. Patrick's Church. In later years, Carole was a passionate bookseller and children's literature specialist at Water Street Books, in Williamstown, where she was known for her creative, entertaining, and educational book readings for the community's youth.

She enjoyed vacationing and traveling with friends and family, spending precious time with her grandchildren, and walking her beloved canines. Carole and Rein loved dancing at events, an interest she developed as a young tap dancing student. Well into her seventies, she danced and sang the entire night in the front row of a Jimmy Buffett show at Fenway Park. She enjoyed ushering at the Williamstown Theater Festival, watching classic Sci-Fi films, and singing along to the soundtrack of any musical.

Carole was an accomplished watercolor artist, creating paintings of Berkshire landscapes, floral stills and portraits. She furthered her knowledge and skills by taking many art history and studio classes. She often painted portraits of friends and family, gifting them to their delight and was a member of the Academic Artists Association with many entries over the years including a first prize.

Carole was very devoted to nurturing youth within the community. Her big heart and generosity were without limit, as well as her boundless, happy spirit.

She is survived by her two sons, Stephen and his wife, Kirsten, of Saratoga Springs, NY and Eric and his wife, Jackeline, of Williamstown, and their son Juan Pablo of Bolivia. She cherished her three grandchildren, Max, Ellie and Sam, and family pets, Juliet, Romeo, Chanel, Glory, Daphne and Orion.

She is also survived by her brother, Richard Solomon, his wife, Barbara, of Adams and her three nephews, as well as her beloved Reinhold’s family in Germany.

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, October 7 at 11am at St. Patrick’s and Rapheal Parish in Williamstown, followed by a reception at the adjacent Parish Center.  lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Carole may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org), or HospiceCare in The Berkshires (hcib.org). To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com