Carol F. Ortis

May 17, 1941 - December 28, 2021

WEBSTER, NY – Carol F. Ortis, age 80, passed away on Tuesday evening, December 28, 2021, after valiant efforts in her battle for health, and with a heart ready to be with the Lord and those who awaited her. Born in Utica on May 17, 1941 to the late Frank and Margaret “Maggie” (Nasto) Ortis, Carol attended Brandegee Elementary and T.R. Proctor High School. From childhood, Carol was adored by and equally adored her parents, and she held dear a mutual love for her siblings. Theirs was a closely bonded family. An adventurous soul, Carol moved to Rochester at a young age, though she would often return to visit her beloved family in Utica for holidays and special occasions. Carol settled in nearby Webster, and there she began a number of her professional endeavors, all of which highlight her entrepreneurial spirit. Carol was instrumental in operating a dry-cleaning business and beginning a consignment shop – her talent as a “people person” proved an excellent match for these treasured undertakings. Additionally, she was both optimistic and independent, a resourceful woman who cared for the needs of others. Carol enjoyed spending time with her horses. She loved them, and particularly relished boarding and racing them at Vernon Downs Racetrack. Carol also prioritized family time, especially when it came to visiting her nieces and nephews. She loved them as her own; indeed, Carol was like a second mother figure to them. She adored the great-nieces and great-nephews with endless affection. Though affected by Guillain-Barré syndrome, which began to ail her in the 1980’s, Carol never stopped being others-centered. The disease altered her physical life, but could not touch her spirit. Carol worked ceaselessly to combat her affliction, armed with the support and encouragement of her mom and family, who always remained by her side. She loved her life, and engaged in countless opportunities to remain fiercely independent, uplift her own spirits, and those of others’. Many admired the grace Carol consistently displayed. “Volunteering is my way of paying rent for the space I take on Earth and I love that.” A natural-born caregiver who could not be deterred by illness or her limited mobility, Carol poured her heart into helping others, especially through her efforts with the organization Visiting Nurse Service. To this and other organizations, she often donated over 50 hours of work a week. Her list of roles with VNS included: acting as the Volunteer Coordinator (including recruitment) for the Meals on Wheels program, for the VNS Flu Prevention Program, and serving as a committee member on various VNS task forces. Carol’s work was highly honored, and she received a congratulatory pin for 20 years of valued volunteer service. Those who worked alongside Carol at VNS will forever remember her as courageous, achieving far-reaching effects, and being generous with her compassion and time. Additionally, Carol volunteered as an active member and minister at Holy Trinity Church, the BayView YMCA, CDS Monarch Senior Living, as well as with the Webster Community Chest and Board. Her energy for others never dwindled, and she accomplished the entirety of this volunteering legacy while seated in her wheelchair, with limited use of her hands and legs. At one time, Carol had the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch in a parade in her community, an opportunity she was very proud of. Carol once said, “I love being busy. I just like to do it for no other reason than how it makes your heart (feel).” As her physical limitations progressed, Webster rallied around her needs and gave back to her – she who had given so much – with the greatest benevolence. Noreen Roesser, the manager at Hegedorn’s Market, organized a community effort to raise funds to buy Carol a handicap-accessible van, after a crash left her previous vehicle totaled and Carol with foot and leg injuries. Carol had played a pivotal role in this tightly knit community, and in return, her community rallied around her. Carol loved her Catholic Creed, and held the Catholic religion in her heart, mind and activities. A faithful parishioner at Holy Trinity Church in Webster, Carol moreover enjoyed and valued gathering with other members of the community for Bible Studies. She exemplified the Christian call to serve the poor and the hungry, carrying out countless corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Carol will be lovingly remembered by her sister, Johanna L. Papagno and her late husband Guy T. Papagno; as well as her brother, Frank C. and wife Barbara Ortis. Carol is survived by her beloved nieces and nephews, Mark and Allyson Papagno, Karen Papagno Locorini, Avery and James Graziano, Jr., and Christopher Ortis; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Andrea Locorini, Alyssa Betrus, Genaro Graziano, and Kara, Kyle, and Keegan Ortis. Friends were so very important to Carol, and she treated them like a second family. She held in her heart the late Carol Pompa and her family who loved Carol like their own. Carol cherished Karen Coules, a primary caretaker and special friend who shared many memories; and Margery Morgan, from Carol’s church, with whom she prayed and shared outreach work – the pair shared a great spirituality together. Carol’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Rochester General Hospital, who treated Carol and her family so well with hospitality and compassion; especially to Dr. Niu, who was wonderfully kind and epitomized the compassionate personal community; to Carol’s RN, LeeEllen, who was so intuitive in anticipating and meeting Carol’s needs, and who additionally was so sensitive and affectionate to the family. The family would also like to say a special “thank you” to Pam from the Palliative Care, who was very accommodating and kept a watchful eye upon Carol. All were so formative and amazing, and everyone went above and beyond. The family will honor Carol’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Carol’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 12:00 noon, at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. Regardless of vaccination status, face masks are required, to remain in compliance with the state and county mask order.