Caroline Russell Vreeland

LAKEVILLE — Caroline Russell Vreeland, 31, of Lakeville, passed away suddenly on Nov. 19, 2020.

Caroline was born on June 28, 1989, daughter of Richard S. and Susan (Gomez) Vreeland of Lakeville. Caroline was a graduate of Salisbury Central School, Miss Hall’s School in Pittsfield and Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Va., where she studied communications. During her adult life, Caroline went on to take many different roles in a variety of fields. She interned for Pittsfield Community Television, where she was described by colleagues as a “true standout” who “sought frequent opportunities to continue volunteering beyond her initial assignment.” Caroline worked at two different schools — Indian Mountain and Emma Willard — and she considered this work especially important to her because she knew that these were formative years for those students in which she was poised to make a substantial positive impact. Caroline also loved supporting people in their work, serving as an executive assistant at two firms: at Environmental Recovery Corporation, a sustainable recycling company in Pennsylvania, and later at Compliance Solution Strategies here in Salisbury.

 In between all of these opportunities, Caroline spent time working in the hospitality business, at many restaurants and one hotel, work she appreciated for the opportunity it afforded her to make a direct impact on her guests’ happiness. Caroline was also a familiar face at the Salisbury Pharmacy, where she intermittently worked part-time to supplement her income and keep herself busy from the time she was a teenager. 

Caroline’s fun-loving nature was the foundation for many steadfast friendships. She was committed to her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, and she personified the qualities for which that institution stands. Caroline had enduring relationships with people of all ages. She was everyone’s cheerleader and life coach, encouraging her friends to recognize their potential and become the best versions of themselves they could. The outpouring from friends and people whose lives she touched during her time here has been overwhelming, and the family appreciates all those who have reached out in one way or another.

Caroline was a lifelong member of the Lakeville United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her parents, Richard and Susan; her brother, Matthew, and his wife, Larissa, along with their daughter, Addison; her sister and brother-in-law, Chandra and Sean Guerard of Litchfield; her maternal grandmother, Patricia P. Gomez of Lakeville; her paternal grandmother, Marjorie A. Vreeland of Salisbury; and her aunts and uncles, Sandra and Peter Oliver, Mark and Linda Gomez, Patti and Michael Majesky, Anne and Edgar “Bud” Upson, Steven and Robbin Gomez and Nancy and Jim Rutledge. Caroline is also survived by 13 first cousins with whom she was very close, along with all of their children.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when all can gather. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Caroline’s name to Miss Hall’s School Scholarship Fund, 492 Holmes Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201, or The Corner Food Pantry, P.O. Box 705, Lakeville, CT 06039.