Carol Lucille Olson Rindfleisch, 81, of Southbury, CT, passed away on November 3, 2013, at peace following a decade-long journey with Parkinson's disease.
She is survived by her husband Norval W. Rindfleisch and children Mary Rindfleisch (Joe Keneally) of Sherman, CT, Julie Granville (Kevin Granville) of Sussex, NJ, Kate McGrath (Tom McGrath) of Drexel Hill, PA and Joe Rindfleisch of Cambridge, MA.
"Muzzy" was very proud of her grandchildren Nora, Jane and Peter Granville and Hannah and Sarah McGrath. She is also survived by her siblings Janice Torbert of Sioux Falls, SD, Judy Ahlers of Dell Rapids, SD and Charles Olson of Arlington, SD and their families.
Carol was born in 1932 in Arlington, SD, oldest daughter of Edwin and Frances Karlstad Olson and was raised on the family farm. In her early twenties she embarked on an adventure, traveling with a few school friends to live and work in California, where she soon met and married Norval in 1954. Their travels together continued for nearly 60 years.
Connecticut (Pomfret and Southbury) and New Hampshire (Exeter, Durham, Bethlehem and elsewhere) were their principal homes, but Norval's career as a student, teacher and writer also offered them the opportunity to sample life in California, Chicago, Florida, New Orleans, Virginia and numerous winter destinations on southern beaches. They also spent a memorable year in Rennes, France with the School Year Abroad program.
Carol served for many years as a dedicated faculty wife, dorm mother and member of the school community, first at Pomfret School and then at Phillips Exeter Academy. She was a muse and helpmate to Norval in his writing career. She was also pleased to open her home to foreign exchange students Kayoko, Dani and Leena.
After her children were all in school, Carol returned to the classroom herself, earning an associate's degree in Library Science and a BA in History (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of New Hampshire. Her subsequent professional career included several positions at the University of New Hampshire and at Phillips Exeter Academy, most notably in the history department at UNH and as executive assistant to the Library Director at PEA.
Following retirement, Carol and Norv returned to the Midwest to spend time with Carol's family, settling in Brookings, SD, where Carol operated the Bangor Hills Bed and Breakfast for several years.
Carol was a whiz at Scrabble and other word games and an avid reader and lover of music. She was devoted to her former canine companions Sam and Chomondeley. Her quiet exterior was belied by an incredible inner strength and determination, and she continually surprised and delighted acquaintances with her dry Norwegian wit.
Carol's family wishes to thank everyone at The Hearth at Southbury and Sacred Heart Church for their friendship and support to Carol and to the family during the past year and to Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western Connecticut for their assistance in the last days. We also thank Carol's companion Renie and JoanEllen of Western Connecticut Medical Group in Southbury for their fierce dedication to Carol's well-being.

Memorials: Donations may be made in Carol's memory to Sacred Heart Church, designated for its Haiti Ministry, and mailed to 910 Main Street South, Southbury, CT 06488.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Sacred Heart Church

Services: A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in Southbury, CT on Saturday, November 16th at 10: 00 AM. All are welcome.

Visitation: There are no calling hours.