Carole M. Burnette, 91, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026. Born in Manchester, New Hampshire, on January 29, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Franklin Gibbons and Adelaide (Delfino) Gibbons.

Carole grew up in Manchester, attending local schools and graduating with pride from Manchester Central High School, Class of 1952. She went on to build a long and accomplished career with New England Telephone, where she served with dedication as a toll traffic operator, a directory operator, and in the payroll department. A natural leader and a fierce advocate for her colleagues, Carole earned the respect of her peers and was elected President of her local union, IBEW 2320.

Beyond her professional achievements, Carole possessed a deeply compassionate heart. She was formally honored for driving over 17,000 miles to transport children afflicted with cancer to their medical treatments throughout New Hampshire, offering hope and comfort to families during their most difficult times.

Carole was first married to Roger Mitchell, with whom she raised their two children, Tracey and Tony. Sometime after Mr. Mitchell’s passing, Carole met the love of her life and partner of 46 years, Wade Martin Burnette. Together, they built a life full of adventure and devotion.

After making their home in Manchester for a time, Carole’s career took them to Portland, Maine, where she worked in the New England Telephone business office. For 15 beautiful years, they made their home on Peaks Island. Following her retirement, they returned briefly to New Hampshire, but as the northern winters grew more difficult, they traded the snow for the warmth of Florida, where they have resided for over two decades.

In Florida, Carole’s passion for service never wavered. Alongside her husband, she was deeply involved as a volunteer for the Kiwanis Thrift Stores of Cape Coral. She also dedicated her time and heart to the Eastern Star, the Ladies of the Shrine, and the Daughters of the Nile.

To those who loved her, Carole was a steady anchor. She possessed a rare, beautiful grace and an enduring capacity for forgiveness, always able to look past life's less-than-proud moments with love and understanding. Though the heavy and insidious burden of her illness in recent years was difficult to bear, it cannot dim the profound impact of her life or the depth to which she will be missed.

Carole was predeceased by her parents, her first husband Roger Mitchell, and her two dear brothers, Richard and Robert Gibbons.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and service, survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Wade Martin Burnette; her daughter, Tracy Mitchell; her son, Tony Mitchell; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Service and Donation Information

In accordance with Carole’s wishes, services will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Carole’s memory to The Dubin Center of Southwest Florida (dubincenter.org). The family is deeply grateful for their work in navigating the complexities of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and for providing vital support groups and education. Deepest gratitude is also extended to Hope PACE for the warm, wonderful care given over the past year, and to Dr. Roderick Bennett of SOS Care Solutions, who offers a final service second to none. Finally, heartfelt appreciation is given to the Baldwin Funeral and Cremation Society for their compassionate guidance and handling all arrangements with the utmost dignity.