Derby Line, VT – Carol Frances (Kenney) Ayles, 78, died peacefully with her daughter by her side on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in Lebanon, NH, following a recent diagnosis of gallbladder cancer. She was born on April 6, 1946, in Providence, Rhode Island to Martin J. and Doris C. (Boucher) Kenney. Carol was the second daughter of five sisters. She grew up in Harrisville, Rhode Island, graduating from Burrillville High School in 1964. During her high school years, she participated in many activities and immensely enjoyed her community and friendships. After high school, her nurturing disposition brought her to her studies at Saint Joseph's School of Nursing in Providence, Rhode Island, where she graduated at the top of her class as a coronary care nurse.

In 1970, Carol met Darrel Ayles who was stationed in the U.S. Navy at Quonset Point, RI.  Their union resulted in 54 years of marriage and two beloved children, Alicia and Daniel. Many family times were enjoyed together, including annual trips to Boston, MA, the Thousand Islands, NY and Rhode Island. Family meals and discussions around the table were valued and occurred often. Both Carol and Darrel strongly supported their children's various activities and interests. Their children's growth, development and fulfillment were of utmost significance to them.

Carol loved her profession as a registered nurse and caring for her patients, but she found that her true joy was at home, raising her children and being completely devoted to family life. She appreciated Darrel's steadfast commitment in his work as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer and his continual priority to provide for his family. Their home was open to others and always welcomed anyone who came to visit. Both Carol and Darrel recognized the beauty and uniqueness of individuals and by example taught their children the importance of compassion, genuine interest in and service to others.

Carol also had a deep reverence and appreciation of God's creation in nature.

Carol was a devout Catholic, fully embracing the fullness of her faith and living her life in humility and service. She shared unconditional love, comfort and happiness with others and volunteered her time readily to anyone who was in need. Carol was a wonderful listener and dedicated her life to ensuring others felt safe, loved, nurtured and accepted. Her adoration of and trust in Jesus Christ and the Blessed Mother Mary never faltered.

Carol sincerely wanted everyone to have hope and to experience the enduring love of God. She made herself less so that the graces of God could work through her to glorify Him.

Carol is preceded in death by her loving parents and two sisters, Barbara (Kenney) Shaw and Patricia (Kenney) DeCosta.

She is survived by her husband, Darrel Ayles of Derby Line, VT; her daughter, Alicia Ayles of Rutland, VT; her son Daniel Ayles of Portland, OR; daughter-in-law, Julia, and two grandchildren Dylan and Molly of Portland, OR; her two sisters Joan Daignault of Forestport, NY, and Shirley Jolly of Woonsocket, RI; her in-laws Gay and Terry Millett of Alexandria Bay, NY and Kim and Randy Ayles of Spencerport, NY, her many nieces and nephews and their children, her cousins, her true, caring friends, Carmen Comeau of Newport, VT, Virginia Lawrence and Michael Lawrence of Derby Line, VT, and many other dear friends and neighbors in the Northeast Kingdom community of VT where she lived and worshiped for over 40 years.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at a later date at St. Patrick's Church in Harrisville, RI.  Memorial services will also be held at Mater Dei Parish in Newport, VT.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to the Mater Dei Parish Food Pantry . Please contact the parish directly for further information: phone: 802-334-5066/Email: materdei@vermontcatholic.org.