Carol Ann Shapiro, 79, of Wildwood, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026.

Born on May 6, 1947, in Paterson, New Jersey, Carol was the beloved daughter of Yolanda Amico Yurato and John Yurato. She was the middle of three daughters, sharing a lifelong bond with her older sister, Marie, and her younger sister, Joan.

Carol attended secretarial school before marrying Richard Shapiro. Together, they raised their young family in Syracuse, New York, where Carol built a career in merchandising with American Greetings and Wegmans Food Markets. She was a devoted mother who rarely missed a moment in her children’s lives, serving as both a Brownie and Cub Scout leader. Whether cheering from the sidelines, helping with projects, or creating family traditions, her children always knew they came first. Carol cherished sunshine and life’s simple joys. She loved gardening, bowling, playing cards with friends, and spending time outdoors. After meeting Gerry Paterson, they enjoyed many happy years together before retiring to Florida, where they settled near her children and sister, Marie. There, Carol enjoyed beach days with her grandchildren, afternoons by the pool, musical shows, reading on her patio surrounded by the beautiful plants she lovingly cared for, and gathering with friends for card games. She created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love that welcomed everyone who entered.

Carol was known for her strong will, fierce independence, and unwavering determination. Those qualities became part of her legacy, passed on to her children and grandchildren, who continue to carry her strength with them every day. 

Carol is lovingly survived by her daughter, Aarene and husband David, and their children, Jeremiah and Alexis; her son, Joshua Shapiro and wife Amanda, and their children, Trinity, Micah, Kayleigh, and Christian; her sisters, Marie and Joan; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives she touched.

Her family finds comfort knowing she is now at peace, forever resting in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father.

A Celebration of Carol’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at The Waterfront Inn in The Villages, Florida. Additional details will be shared with family and friends.

Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day.