Carol R. Findell, née Carol Ann Reed, of Belmont, died peacefully on Oct. 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Carol was raised in Orono, Maine, and attended the University of New Hampshire (UNH), where she met her former husband, George Findell. Together, they had five children.
Always ahead of her time, Carol entered the male-dominated world of mathematics and became a working mother before it was in fashion. She started her career as a high school teacher and later served as an adjunct professor at UNH. At age 51, Carol completed her PhD, after which she taught math education at Boston University for over 20 years.
Dr. Carol Findell, professor emerita, co-authored many mathematics materials and worked with elementary, middle, and high school teachers from New England to California. She received two Balomenos awards for mathematics education and is a member of the Massachusetts Mathematics Educators Hall of Fame. Math enthusiasts, teachers, and former mathphobes near and far attribute their enthusiasm for the subject to Carol’s teaching; she was devoted to making math accessible, meaningful, and fun.
She was a beloved mother and grandmother who brought her family together. She created space for personal growth and instilled a love of learning in all who met her. The family will always remember Carol saying, “Aren’t we lucky that we all love each other and we also like each other?” Her legacy continues to teach even now.
Carol is survived by her five children, their spouses, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Brad and Jenny Findell, Elizabeth (son, Leo), Randy, Lindsay; Karen and Perry Welch, Reed, Catie, Kelsey; Kent Findell and Vickie Livermore, Mariko, Justin; Leanne and Leland Lugo, Alexa, Leland, Jr.; Kirsten Findell and Bart DeCorte, Ilian, Brian, Kaelyn, Devon, and Owen; and by her siblings and their spouses: David and Pat Reed; Richard Reed; Susan and Mark Ritter; Mary Drake.
She is predeceased by her brother Willis Reed.
Carol will be remembered fondly by all those who loved her.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 5 p.m. at the First Church of Belmont, 404 Concord Ave., Belmont.
To leave online condolences or share a memory, visit swdfuneralhome.com/obituary/Carol-Findell
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to: the University of New Hampshire Math Department Gift Fund or the Boston University PROMYS Program.