Karolina Nolan

Our sweet, precious Mother, Nanna, Grandma, and friend Karolina Nolan went home in the arms of the angels on January 10, 2024 surrounded by her loving children at the Hospice House after way more than her fair share of health struggles over the past 8 years.

Karolina was born August 23, 1946 in Schenectady, New York to Doris Page and Floyd Page. Karolina attended Plattsburgh State University and obtained her master's degree in teaching. There she met her husband Raymond Dubuque and together they had two children, Christina Dubuque and Kristofer Dubuque and later on five beautiful grandchildren, Isabella Dubuque, Ariana Mclean, Thomas Mclean, Isaias Dubuque, and Ephraim Dubuque. 

Karolina was an exceptional, fabulous, gifted teacher with a huge, giving heart who was adored and loved by all. Karolina taught elementary school for 33 years. After retirement she supervised student teachers for two years at SUNY Plattsburgh before going on to teach at Mariah Shock Camp helping inmates achieve their GED. Karolina impacted the lives of her students forever. Her friends and student teachers aspired to become the same kind of awesome teacher and human being that she was. 

Her laughter was contagious and could be heard everywhere she went. Her smile was infectious and always brought joy to everyone around her. She always put others needs first and would gladly give you the last dollar she had. She will leave behind a forever positive energy in this world and her spirit will remain in all our hearts as only her body has left us. 

Karolina's other love was music. Karolina had been accepted into Julliard for her fabulous voice, but life took her in a different direction. However, Karolina never missed an opportunity to play her accordion or organ and serenade her family and friends with her angelic voice. She also sang in the church choir several years. Now she gets to join God's choir of angels with her beautiful voice which will carry on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
 
Our mom was an angel on this earth. In retirement she enjoyed spoiling her children and grandchildren. She also cherished her time spent talking on the phone and visits with several of her very special friends. Many of those friends were students she had in the third grade that remained in her life all these years, and coworkers and former student teachers which shows how special our mom was. She also had been blessed with several wonderful caregivers. One was Donna who became the sister our mom never had. For the last three years our father Raymond Dubuque was an angel being there for our mom 24/7 through all of her most difficult struggles in life when her health was failing. We are so thankful how our dad went above and beyond to ensure our mom had her wishes granted to remain in her apartment as long as possible and then assisted her to move to New Hampshire to be with her daughter and granddaughter who took care of her and granted her wish to die with dignity at the Hospice House surrounded by her loved ones.

Though it drove our dad crazy, Christmas was always our mother's favorite time of year, and her homes were always warm and inviting and beautifully decorated from floor to ceiling. She loved spoiling all of us with cherished gifts and was a fabulous gift wrapper.

Mom, we love you to the moon and back. Thanks for always being a fabulous mother to the both of us and loving our children. We are so proud of you. You are the bravest person we know. We will be watching for all the signs you promised that you made it to heaven and that you are healed and happy.

Karolina lost her second love, George Nolan in 2019, and was looking forward to being reunited with him and her nanny and mother in heaven. Rest in peace, love, and happiness Mom. We all love you so much. 

There will not be any calling hours per her request. There will be a future celebration of life, date to be determined, in Plattsburgh, New York. 

In her memory, please send donations to the Elmore SPCA, P.O. Box 686, Peru, NY 12972, a charity our mother was passionate about. In memory of her beautiful heart, smile, and laughter, pay it forward kind deeds to others. 

Services were entrusted to Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, Au Sable Forks, New York.