After 70 years on this earth and a 14-year battle with cancer, Carol Stachura Hart of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, received her eternal healing and went home to be with Jesus Friday, October 21st.
In her final moments, Carol had her two surviving children (Joseph C. Hart, 39, Rocky Hill, CT, and Lauren E. Hart, 34, Chicago, IL, whom she had with her deceased former husband, Clifford C. Hart, passed Fairhope, AL, 2019) by her side in the comfort of her home in Rocky Hill, as well as Jesus’ overwhelming love, peace and comforting presence. It was a beautiful and peaceful moment with her family as she made her transition to Heaven and into her new body in Christ.
Carol was born on March 24, 1952, in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of the late Joseph and Florence Stachura of West Hartford, Connecticut. She grew up in West Hartford and graduated from Hall High School in 1971. Carol spent her professional career holding various roles within the health insurance industry at Aetna and Concentra Managed care, among others, before eventually retiring early from Aetna in 2014 as she navigated her treatments.
Carol was initially diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2008. She underwent surgery, followed by chemotherapy, and was in remission for a few years before later discovering the cancer had already metastasized into her lymphatic system. Since 2012, Carol continued to undergo various chemotherapies, immunotherapies, and radiation treatments to manage the diseases.
Over the past decade of treatment, there were other health complications and challenges that would continue to arise along her journey, including a second cancer diagnosis. At the end of September 2022, Carol, with the full support of her family, decided to discontinue further treatment as her quality of life began to rapidly diminish in her final few months.
Despite Carol’s circumstances, she had an inner strength, endurance, and perseverance to keep going. She remained upbeat, positive, and optimistic to all those she encountered — from her closest loved ones, to mere acquaintances at the hospital, cancer center, her church, and the Rocky Hill Senior Center. No matter where Carol went or who she was with, you would’ve never known all that she was going through — she was a warrior.
Even though Carol had a tough battle, she never let that define her. She was so much more than her limitations. Carol was an unselfishly devoted and loving mother to her two surviving children, Joe and Lauren. Above everything else, she put her children first. She loved and poured into them and her legacy lives on through them.
Carol’s continuous investment into her children, led to her active participation in the local community and public school system over the years. More recently, she enjoyed spending time at the newly renovated Rocky Hill Senior Center. There she took part in the myriad of member offerings. Carol enjoyed the catered lunches, socializing with fellow members on special holiday events like Chinese New Years and St. Patrick’s Day, and the beloved craft club, where her artwork is proudly on display in the craft room.
All those that knew Carol know that she was a warm, special woman, that had an innate ability to make you feel loved, was everyone’s self-appointed confidant, and could keep you laughing with her witty comments and silly antics. She loved the water; a day at the beach or in the pool was her happy place, and would soak up the sun any chance she could get. Her effervescence was infectious and everyone wanted to be around her. She was resilient, radiant, and captivating in every way.
Carol will be deeply missed by her cherished children, as well as her beloved extended family, including Joe and Rosanne Zdrok, and their children and families, Joe, Kristen, Xander and Nate Zdrok, and Christopher, Michelle, Vanessa, Christian and Damien Zdrok, Rosanne’s brother Michael Mozzicato and their mother Lucy Mozzicato.
A private memorial service of Carol’s life will be held with her family and close friends whom have walked alongside Carol throughout her journey on Saturday, November 19th.
We all knew Carol in different ways, so if you desire to make a contribution in her memory, we recommend doing so to one of the following organizations:
Wethersfield Evangelical Free Church (link to donate; select ‘Other: please add comment below’ in the ‘Fund’ drop-down, then under the ‘Note’ section, type in ‘General Fund - Women’s Ministries in memory of Carol Hart’)
Rocky Hill Senior Center Craft Club (please email Senior Services Director Gina Marino at gmarino@rockyhillct.gov)
Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center of Hartford Healthcare (link to donate; in the ‘Designation’ drop-down select ‘Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center’ and be sure to fill-in the optional Tribute Information at the bottom of the donation page, in memory of Carol Hart
To send treats to Carol’s favorite dog Toby, email WeLoveCarolHart@gmail.com
To send your condolences to Carol’s family, you may contact them via email at WeLoveCarolHart@gmail.com.