Our beautiful mother, Michele Carter of Warwick, ended her earthly journey on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, at the age of 87, and is now joined with her loving husband Charlie and her sons Michael and Gary.
Michele was born Sept. 27, 1933, to Jacob and Bertha (Weiss) Cohen in Manhattan, raised in Forest Hills and moved to Warwick at the age of 15.
She was the Matriarch and heart of her family, her friend groups and the community she loved and devoted her life to, Warwick. Some of us might even call her the Queen. She taught us and those around her about love, acceptance and generosity of spirit.
She was a Warwick icon, giving to the community through service and volunteerism. Some of her favorite organizations were the Ecumenical Food Pantry of Warwick, which she ran for 25 years, including organizing Thanksgiving and Christmas basket projects, Meals on Wheels, the Warwick Summer Migrant Program and Jayncees. She led the local 4-H club for many years, helping youth to learn about the importance of service to others. She was a long time and very active member of the Warwick United Methodist Church.
Michele gave generously to all around her. She was a former co-owner of the Pioneer Restaurant, 1976-86, again employing youth and helping them understand a strong work ethic.
She was a great mother, friend and mentor to many, many people, including the 17 young men she and Charlie fostered over the years. “They raised a family of countless many.”
She will be sorely missed.
Michele is survived by her children: Robert and wife Sharon, of Royersford, Pa., Beth and husband Steven Pivovar of Stony Point, Craig and wife Kelley of Tacoma, Wash., Julie of Middletown, daughter-in-law Shermane Carter of Warwick, German Colon and wife Diane of Warwick and Bob Moran and wife Debbie of Warwick.
Grandchildren: Nathaniel (Casey), Cassandra (Charles), Rebecca, Taylyn, Sharleigh, Sarah Mayes (Khalil), Daniel Pivovar (Brittany), Cameron (Amber), Colin (Melanie), Justin Colon (Katie), Evan Colon (Heather), Paul Moran (Vanessa), Stephanie Riley (Jeffrey) and Nicole Schaefer (Edward).
Great-grandchildren: Gavin, Greyson, Alex, Phoenix, Shamel, Lilly, Naseem, Keyshawn, KJ, King, Finley, Charlie, Ella, Ava, Dylan, Logan, Scarlett, Kennedy, Teagan, Bram and more on the way.
She is also survived by brothers-in-law Richard (Constance) Carter and Leo (Maura) Carter and son-in-law Jon Bourassa (Jose).
She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Robert Carter (2014), sons Michael Stephen Carter (1989) and Gary Alan Carter (2015), sister Shari Gail Cohen (2017) and sister-in-law Alice Whitney Carter (2009).
A Celebration of Life will be held at a time when everyone can attend.
The family requests that no flowers be sent and that donations be made to the Warwick Ecumenical Food Pantry, 135 Forester Avenue, Warwick NY 10990.
Arrangements were made by Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Avenue, Warwick, NY 10990. To send an online condolence, go to www.lsvpmemorialhome.com.