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Carole Audean Prendergast

Date of Death: January 7, 2025

Date of Birth: September 14, 1944

Biography:

Carole A. Prendergast 

1944-2026

Brunswick, ME – Carole Audean Prendergast (nee Coursey) died on January 7, 2026, from complications of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. 

Born in Nashville, TN, she was an honors graduate of Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, where she was named to "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities."  She later earned a Master's in Library Science degree from the Palmer Library School of Long Island University.  

Carole excelled as a school media specialist in Ramsey, NJ.  She befriended many authors and illustrators of children's books and used her knowledge of the field to create award-winning programs for students.  Carole was named New Jersey Outstanding Teacher of the Year by Ramsey in 1986, the first year of the award's existence.  

Carole married Larry Prendergast in 1968, and they enjoyed 57 years of marriage.  She is survived by Larry and by their sons, John and his wife Erin, and grandchildren Ruth and Oscar, Neil and his wife Megan, and grandchildren James and Matthew, and by her sister Gayle Bryant.  She was predeceased by her parents, Farris and Martha Coursey, and by her sister Diane Frakes.  

Carole enjoyed the outdoors and nature and was a volunteer hike and nature walk leader in Maine and New Hampshire for the Appalachian Mountain Club for many years.  She was an expert birder and encouraged neophyte birders in building their knowledge and confidence.  Carole also enjoyed reading, travel, visiting art museums, theater, ballet, and listening to jazz and classical music.  Carole loved her husband and her family, the state of Maine, the song of the Blackburnian Warbler, her husband's turkey stuffing, the music of Hank Jones, the writings of Wallace Stegner, the New York Rangers, the paintings of Johannes Vermeer, a nice glass of white wine (which she measured), the voice of Philippe de Montebello, and the style of Henrik Lundqvist.

The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers at CHANS Hospice, who provided end-of-life care to Carole.  There will be a Catholic service and a celebration of her life, and family and friends will be notified.  In lieu of flowers, you might contribute to CHANS https://www.mainehealth.org/mainehealth-mid-coast-hospital/giving-mainehealth-mid-coast-hospital/donate-now-mainehealth-mid-coast-hospital or to the charity of your choice.