Wappingers Falls – Carol A. Hardesty, 76, an area resident since 2015, passed away on October 13, 2023 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. She previously lived in Westchester County.

Born in New Rochelle on April 18, 1947, Carol was the daughter of the late Fredrick and Eileen (Leavy) Frenz. Her career of over 40 years was dedicated to improving the welfare of children and families. She began her career with Westchester County as a caseworker in Child Protective Services and upon her retirement she was the Director of Community Support Services for Children and Youth in the Department of Community Mental Health. Following her retirement from Westchester County, she became the Executive Director of Family Ties of Westchester, where she served for 14 years. Carol loved her work, she was passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and families, and she treasured the many friendships she forged with her colleagues over the years.

Her family was of paramount importance to her. Carol loved her family deeply and was a pillar of strength for them. She enjoyed hosting large family celebrations, especially for Christmas. Her warmth and love shone through in these gatherings. Carol's love for her children and grandchildren was boundless, and she cherished every moment spent with them, creating lasting memories that will be treasured forever.

Carol is survived by her daughters, Meghann Hardesty and her significant other Daniel Koch of Wappingers Falls and Kerry Dinsmore and her husband Gregory of Hopewell Junction; her grandchildren, Aidan Farrell, Jillian Dinsmore, and Tyler Dinsmore, who were the light of her life; her brother, Michael Frenz; her sister, Sharon Fertko and her husband Paul; and her nephews and nieces, Christopher Frenz, Tamara Fertko, Elizabeth Tedesco, and Paul Fertko, Jr.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4 – 8 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11am at the funeral home followed by burial at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Carol's memory to Family Ties of Westchester, Inc. (www.familytieswestchester.org). Please visit her Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.