Carol Ann LeBlanc

Carol Ann LeBlanc, 82, of Shrewsbury, MA, passed away at UMass Memorial Hospital, University Campus, in the early morning of February 14, 2025.

She leaves her partner of 28 years, Larry Boswell; her children, Jonathan Duarte and his wife, Rosie; Amy (Duarte) Bartel of Shrewsbury, MA; and Sara (Alicandro) Pantano and her partner, Scott, of Oxford, MA. She also leaves her grandsons, James Duarte and his fiancée, Lexie Zeller, of Missoula, MT, and Christian McClure of Grafton, MA; her granddaughters, Molly Maria and Hannah Lee Bartel of Shrewsbury, MA, and Stella Pantano of Oxford, MA. Additionally, she leaves behind three step-grandchildren: Alfredo Sorrendeguy, Ashley Sullivan, and Brittany Cottingham.

Carol was born in Worcester in 1942 to Dr. Joseph (1921–2002) and Frances (1922–1997) LeBlanc. She was the firstborn of six children. She is survived by her brother, Joseph F. LeBlanc, and his wife, Joyce, of West Millbury, as well as their sons, Joe LeBlanc and his wife, Barbara, and Marc LeBlanc and his wife, Pam. She also leaves her sister, Francine Agbay, and her husband, Al, of Shrewsbury, and their sons, Michael and his wife, Jennifer; Peter Agbay and his wife, Julie; and Christopher Agbay. She is also survived by her brother, Phillip LeBlanc, and his wife, Debra, of North Grosvenordale, CT, and their children, Jacques, Gabrielle, and Frances; and her sister, Lisette Foley, and her husband, Mark, of York Haven, PA, and their children, Brendan, Christine, and Noelle. She was predeceased by her sister, Janine LeBlanc, in 2012.

Carol was a graduate of Classical High School in Worcester, MA, and was a proud alumna. At the young age of 17, she began her career at the New England Telephone Company, where she gained a second family—friends she cherished and kept close to her heart. She often spoke fondly of her colleagues, and even after retiring in 1997, she remained in touch with them, looking forward to their annual gatherings.

In her younger years, Carol also worked at Friendly’s restaurant, a place she continued to visit with family and friends. Her favorite order was a “cheeseburger on a set-up,” and she always had a love for ice cream, especially from Rota Spring Farm. She and Larry would often take leisurely drives to Sterling, MA, to enjoy a cone while admiring the beautiful scenery.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Carol vacationed in Provincetown, MA, with her dear friend Polly Noones, renting a beachside cottage for just $2.00 per week. It was there, in that tiny fishing village, that she met the father of her children, Manuel B. Duarte (1943–2023), whom she affectionately called "M’nal." They married and lived in Boston, MA, where Jonathan was born, then in Keene, NH, where Amy was born, before eventually settling back in Worcester.

Carol was a strong and hardworking mother. After her marriage ended, she ensured that her children had everything they needed, no matter the circumstance.

She loved spending time at her parents’ home on Ramshorn Pond in West Millbury, a place she fondly referred to as “Camp.” Having grown up there, it remained a magical and special place in her heart, filled with cherished memories of long summer days and cozy winter visits.

Later, Carol married William B. Alicandro of Shrewsbury, gaining a stepdaughter, Sara (Alicandro) Pantano. She and Bill spent 17 years together, creating wonderful memories—whether on South Street, in Falmouth, MA, at Disney World, in New Hampshire, or on excursions to the beaches of Rhode Island.

Afterward, Carol became an active member of the St. John’s Church community, where she volunteered at the food pantry. It was there that she met Larry Boswell. They quickly became close friends, bonding over their shared role of assisting those who needed the church elevator. Ever grateful and kind, Carol baked her infamous chocolate chip cookies for Larry as a thank-you. From that moment on, they were inseparable for the next 28 years.

Through Larry, Carol gained another family: stepdaughters Cassie Paolucci of West Brookfield and Jennifer Boswell of Worcester, along with her five children; and stepson Jason Boswell and his wife, Lisa, of West Brookfield, along with their two children. Carol loved Larry’s children as if they were her own.

Carol and Larry were road warriors, taking spontaneous adventures every Sunday. She loved the thrill of not knowing where they would end up. While they traveled to many places, they had two favorite destinations: Pass-a-Grille, FL, and Ojai, CA. She was also a devoted fan of Jay Leno, attending several of his live shows over the years and making sure to get a picture with him each time. No matter where she went, Carol gave of herself completely and was loved in return.

Carol adored hummingbirds and spent time on a special website watching a live cam of Phoebe Allen’s nest. Through this, she built an online family with friends from across the U.S. and Canada, including Susan, Melanie, Teri, Janet, and Sigrid. They remained an important part of her daily life, and they often spoke of how much joy and kindness Carol brought to their group.

She also shared a special bond with her sister, Francine. They spent much of their time together on day trips to places like Wickford, RI; Idylwilde Farm in Acton, MA; and The Grafton Country Store. They frequently visited their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. When Amy had her twins, the two sisters would dress them up and have photo shoots, filling the room with laughter. They truly were quite the pair.

Although Carol has left this world, she has not left our hearts. She will live on through the memories she made with those she loved. In the darkest moments, do not dwell on her passing; instead, think of her life, full of love, laughter, and kindness. Close your eyes, place your hand on your heart, and remember her the way she would want you to—not with sadness, but with love.

Services for Carol will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church in Worcester, MA, Burial will be held privately in West Millbury Cemetery.  Funeral arrangements are under the care of Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel. 

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Carol’s  memory to St. John’s Chuch