From MASSlive
Carole Ann (Sibley) Racicot, 70 of East Longmeadow, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2014, with her loving daughter holding her hand. Carole was born in Springfield on June 29, 1944, the daughter of the late Louis and Louise (Beley) Sibley. She was a graduate of Springfield Technical High School Class of 1963. After completing her Associates degree from Springfield Community College, she had begun to further her education at UMASS Amherst and Mount Holyoke College when she was diagnosed with a Stage 4 cancer at age 46. As a true free spirit, fighter, and lover of life, she didnt let the cancer stop her for long. She picked up riding a motorcycle at age 50 and rode all over the country with her large group of friends and the Moving Violations cycling group. In addition, she was an avid ballroom dancer and a member of the Paradise Dance company in Northampton MA. She continued dancing at Dance Northampton once Paradise closed. She especially loved doing the Waltz to the song Strawberry Wine, and the Hustle to Barry Whites Cant get enough of your Love. She spent most Monday evening at the Mercy Hospital Cancer support group, where she was also very active in fundraising. She participated in at least 10 Relays for Life Walks. Between her many surgeries and chemotherapy, she spent a great deal of time with her grandchildren and writing about her life with a Womens Writing Group. Its been said she lived a life worth 5 memoirs. She loved people, puzzles, the Red Sox, trains, dancing, her motorcycle, HGTV, fixing things, and especially her friends, daughter and grandkids. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her two sons Kevin and Keith Racicot, three brothers Robert, Charles and Kenneth Sibley and sisters Jeanette Brent and Odette Gustafson. Carole is survived by her devoted daughter Karin Chen and her husband Jim of Amherst NH., three adored grandchildren Ethan, Kyra and Mia, a brother Clayton Sibley and a sister Barbara Wright of Longmeadow and her former husband George Racicot of West Springfield MA., and a dear friend Sally Fuller of Northampton MA, who was her caretaker for her last 4 months at home. She will be also missed by her many, many friends. Carole is buried in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker St, Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made in Carole’s memory to Mercy Hospital Cancer Support Group.