GARRISON, NY – Carole Zirkle Davidson, 76, died peacefully at home on March 7, 2019 after battling lung cancer with grace and grit. She had been a resident of New York for the past two years.

Born on December 8, 1942 in Winchester, VA, she was the daughter of the late Lewis and Loretta (Hinebaugh) Zirkle. She was raised in Winchester before moving to Washington, DC in the 1960s. She eventually moved to Alexandria, VA where she lived for nearly 40 years.

She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond and a master's degree in Political Science from the Schar School of Policy & Government from George Mason University.

Carole dedicated her entire life's work to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Langley, VA working in the Directorate of Operations, before fully retiring just over two years ago. Her work at the CIA included a 5-year tour of duty in Paris, France.

She is survived by her son, Kevin L. Davidson and his husband Anthony M. Lise of Garrison; her grandson, Henry; and her brothers, Eddie Zirkle of Winchester, VA and Tommy Zirkle of Martinsburg, WV.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 15 from 5 – 9 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 16, at 11 am at the funeral home. A private burial will take place at Cold Spring Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Carole's memory to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (www.alexandriaanimals.com). Please visit her Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.