CAROL FRYE

Carol Frye, age 74, of Elburn, passed away surrounded by the love and prayers of her family, Friday, December 1, 2023.

She was born in Manchester, NH, on January 3, 1949, to loving parents, Melvin and Dorothy Arsenault.

Carol grew up in Manchester and attended local schools. She graduated from Immaculata High School and continued her education at Notre Dame Women’s College, also in Manchester. George Frye met Carol at a “mixer” at college, and whether it was when their eyes met over the dance floor, or George’s moves swept her off her feet, a love story began. Carol received her degree in biology and chemistry and then became a certified medical technologist in 1971. She was married the following day to George Frye, who graduated the following day and received his draft notice on the next. 

They began their new life together in Manchester for some time, welcoming home a son Geoffrey. They moved to Parsippany, NJ, and the family grew by three, Gregrey, Kristina, and Kimberly, who made the family complete before settling in Ogdensburg. George’s job continued to lead the family from one place to another from Green Bay, WI, to Omaha, NB, Marietta, GA, Torrington, CT, and then back to Green Bay before swinging south to Coral Springs, FL. The last stop led them to the small farming town of Elburn in 1991. They finally were able to catch their breath there and spent the last 32 years making memories that filled their home from stem to stern.

Carol, George and family vacationed at a home in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico for many years. The vistas fed her artistic side and kept her hands busy with arts, crafts, painting and needlepoint. Her many trips to Vegas brought out the sparkle in her eye and excitement in her soul. In early years, she volunteered countless hours at the Elder Day Center, then in St. Charles at the Baker Hotel and now in Batavia, where she cared for those suffering from Alzheimer’s during the day. Every spring brought a new season and new addition to the family as Carol introduced a new animal to her “menagerie”. Cats and dogs found their way into her heart and home, much to the chagrin of George who graciously accepted them whether he liked it or not. Carol made friends as easy as breathing. Each connection strengthened over the years so that she couldn’t stop by the corner store or anywhere without finding a friend. It was her one-of-a-kind and energetic spirit that kept her going garnering her the nickname the “energizer bunny”. Her exploits in the kitchen never failed to impress, inexplicably bringing out multicourse meals in the blink of an eye. She had an infectious sense of humor but was very serious when it came to being competitive in any game or match. Small but mighty, no one messed with Carol. Nothing she did was forgettable so it is no surprise that her memory will endure forever.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 52 years George Frye; 3 children: Greg Frye, Tina (Jack) Murdock, and Kim DiFranco; 7 grandchildren: Kyra (Jeremy) Jorgensen, Michael DiFranco, Jade DiFranco, Zachary Murdock, Jack Murdock, Ben, and Weaver Frye; 3 great-grandchildren: Luna Frye-DeLarme, Archer Jorgensen and Oliver Jorgensen; one brother Richard Arsenault; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a friend around every corner. 

She is reunited with her parents, Melvin and Dorothy Arsenault; two sisters: Janice Arsenault and Gail Mara; and one son, Geoffrey Frye who preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 11-1p.m., Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St. Elburn, IL 60119. A prayer service will begin at 1 p.m. followed by cremation and burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Vitas Hospice, at https://vitascommunityconnection.org Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 11-1p.m., Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St. Elburn, IL 60119. A prayer service will begin at 1p.m. followed by cremation and burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Vitas Hospice, at https://vitascommunityconnection.org Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.