Former director and 40-year volunteer of St. Brigid’s Kitchen and Pantry of Brattleboro had a heart big enough to hold the whole world
Carolyn Sullivan Pieciak, 79, from Brattleboro, Vt., kicked the bucket (sorry, not sorry) on May 20, 2025, after battling lung cancer for a solid year. She passed away at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, N.H., surrounded by her fam and loved ones, which is kinda nice if you think about it.
Born on December 18, 1945, in Springfield, Mass., Carolyn was the daughter of the late John R. and Mary S. Sullivan Sr. She grew up with her sister Maureen and brother Jack in nearby West Springfield, Mass. The whole gang was probably causing a ruckus back in the day, am I right?
Carolyn’s love story with her hubby, Joseph S. Pieciak Jr., started in 1962 after a blind date set up by her BFF, Maureen Doody O’Donnell. They tied the knot on June 12, 1965, in West Springfield and popped out three kiddos shortly after. Their daughter Jennifer arrived in 1970, followed by Elizabeth in 1975, and then Michael in 1983. Talk about a full house!
Carolyn and Joe made the move to Brattleboro in 1970 and were welcomed with open arms by the Vermont community. Carolyn wasn’t just the heart of the Pieciak fam; she was like a second mom to many. It’s like she had an infinite amount of love to give, you know?
Now, Carolyn wasn’t just your average Joe (pun intended). She was all about giving back and helping those in need. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and even served as the United Way campaign co-president with her hubby. Plus, she helped open St. Brigid’s Kitchen and Pantry in Brattleboro back in the day. This lady was all about spreading love and kindness wherever she went.
To Carolyn, there were no strangers, only friends she hadn’t met yet. She built a little community with love, laughter, and unwavering loyalty. Her heart was big enough to fit the whole world in there, and she had a bunch of loved ones who felt the same way about her. It’s like she had this magnetic personality that drew people to her, you know?
Despite her illness, Carolyn never lost her spark or the love in her eyes. Her fam might be sad about her passing, but at least they know she’s at peace now. I mean, it’s gotta be a comfort, right? Carolyn is survived by her hubby of almost 60 years, Joseph S. Pieciak Jr., her kids Elizabeth, Jennifer, and Michael, her siblings Maureen and John, a bunch of cousins, nieces, nephews, and her beloved dog, Piper. Plus, she was a rad grandma to Nathaniel, Kelsey, Michaela, Riley, and a bunch of honorary grandkids. What a legacy to leave behind!
If you wanna pay your respects to Carolyn, there will be funeral services on May 30 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Brattleboro, followed by a burial at St. Michael’s Cemetery. And then there’s gonna be a celebration of life reception at the Brattleboro Retreat Farm’s North Barn. Everyone who knew Carolyn and the Pieciak fam is invited to come and share some memories. Sounds like a good time to me!
So yeah, Carolyn was an amazing lady who touched the lives of so many people. She’ll be missed, but her legacy of love and kindness will live on. Rest in peace, Carolyn. You’ve earned it.
