New Canaan native, Carol Grupe Coyle, age 88, died Friday evening, January 30, 2015. She was surrounded by loved ones when she peacefully slipped away at the Alzheimer’s Resource Center of Connecticut. Carol was born at home in New Canaan on October 13, 1926, the daughter of the late Howard E. and Mary Seaf Grupe. She graduated from New Canaan High School in the class of 1944, went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) in Durham and an advanced degree from Danbury Teachers’ College. She married John F. Coyle in 1957. Carol grew up on her family’s farm on Oenoke Ridge making her a knowledgeable and devoted lover of nature. She had an insatiable curiosity and true sense of wonder that infused all that she did. As such, she was an intrepid traveler. Her first long-distance adventure the 227mile trip by bike and train ride home from UNH with a friend. She went on to travel the world over with her family and with her Congregational Church Community. She appreciated any and every opportunity to explore natural wonders, cultures and in numerous cases, be of service to others. Dedication to serving others was a hallmark in Carol’s life. She was a deeply loving mother and, in turn, focused her volunteering at her daughters’ schools until they graduated. She went on to volunteer at Waveny Care Center and eventually served on their Board. At the New Canaan Historical Society she helped, among other tasks, to identify photographs of historic New Canaan residents and events. She served in many volunteer capacities at the Congregational Church including being a Deacon. Carol also volunteered with the American Red Cross and was recognized for being an outstanding blood donor. Carol was recognized countless times with certificates and plaques for her tireless efforts as a volunteer. Carol was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her two daughters Sara Tinnesz and her husband Peter of Trumbull, CT and Paula Coyle and her life partner Gary Rand of Boston, MA. She is also survived by her two grandchildren Emily and Andrew Tinnesz. She was preceded in death by her husband John Coyle who died in 1997 and by her sister Nancy Sills. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at 11a.m. at the New Canaan Congregational Church, Park St. New Canaan. Interment will be private in the family plot in Lakeview Cemetery, New Canaan. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Resource Center of Connecticut, 1261 So Main St. Plantsville, CT 06479 earmarked for the Music and Memory Program. The Music and Memory Program, using one’s personal early life favorites, brought great pleasure to Carol.