Carol Silverbush, 86

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. – Carol Silverbush passed away peacefully on Dec. 5, 2024, in Middletown.

Carol was born in Brooklyn on Dec. 8, 1937, to the late Gertie and Joseph Kessler. Her life was one of resilience and love for her family and friends. She is now reunited with her husband and best friend, Ken Silverbush; her daughter, Jody Auerbach; son-in-law, Louis Pulner; and brother, David Kessler. She is survived by her devoted daughter and kindred spirit, Stacey Mihaly; as well as her son-in-law, Gene Mihaly; grandchildren, Alexa Auerbach, Andrew and Lauren Pulner, and Stephanie Pulner; and her great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Madeleine Pulner.

In 1954, at just 17 years old, she met Ken, the love of her life. Two years later, they married, beginning a 63-year journey together filled with love, adventure and a deep and enduring connection. They forever encouraged each other to pursue their passions – which led Carol back to college in the early 1980s, earning a B.A. in Art History from Manhattanville College. Her love of art was palpable, and when she embarked on a studio art minor and picked up a paintbrush, magic happened. Her eclectic works live on in the homes of her family. When not pursuing art, she built a successful career as an ophthalmic tech, first in New York and next in Rhode Island, where Carol and Ken moved in the late 1980s and eventually retired.

Carol was a woman of quiet strength and sharp intuition, able to read a room like no other. She never missed a detail and found joy in life’s small moments while maintaining a youthful, playful spirit until she was 86. Her greatest joy came from time with her family. She especially got a kick out of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with whom she shared countless memories. As a grandmother, she was the perfect blend of warmth, whimsy and honesty. She was the kind of grandmother who made childhood an adventure while always at the ready to offer a listening ear.

In addition to painting, she was a talented cook, occasional (but excellent) baker, golfer and gardener. She was also a committed baseball and football fan. Despite living in Rhode Island for 35+ years, she maintained an unwavering devotion to her Yankees, rarely missing a game.

Carol had a generous heart, willing to share anything she had except her dessert. Her sweet tooth was unmatched, and those close to her knew better than to ask for a bite.

Home was wherever her loved ones were, and she will be remembered with deep love and respect by her family and friends.

Contributions may be made to John Clarke Senior Living, 600 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842.

Carol’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the nurses, caretakers, rehab team and entire staff at John Clarke Senior Living for providing Carol with wonderful and supportive care. The staff treated Carol like family and made her time there feel like home.

Carol will be deeply missed. May she now rest in eternal peace.