Doxtader, Carol

Carol Doxtader, lovingly known as “Noonie” to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, surrounded by her devoted daughters. She was 88 years old.

Carol was born on April 5, 1937, near Hudson, New York, to the late G. Lee and Mary Knickerbocker. She was also predeceased by her beloved husband, Merrill ‘Doc’ Doxtader, and her brother, G. Lee Knickerbocker Jr.

She is survived by her daughters Laurie (Stephen) Jones of Fairport, Kathleen (John) O’Connor of Henrietta, and Lynn (Stephen) Schwartzmeier of Rochester; her grandchildren Erin (Nic) Dutton, Katherine (Michael) DiProspero, Jennifer Jones, Meghan (Ben) Raha, Melissa (Daniel) Klehr, Ryan O’Connor, August Schwartzmeier, and Ian Schwartzmeier; and her great-grandchildren Dominic DiProspero, Aiden Raha, Sydney Dutton, and Dawson DiProspero. She is also survived by her beloved niece Brenda Distler, nephew Jim (Linda) Knickerbocker and sister-in-law Betty Knickerbocker, and numerous other family members and dear friends.

Carol graduated from Roeliff Jansen Central School in 1955 before continuing her education in secretarial studies at the Katherine Gibbs School in New York City. She later married the love of her life, Merrill Doxtader, and together they built a beautiful life in Fairport, New York, raising three daughters and creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and tradition.

Carol spent many of her happiest days between Fairport, her lakeside cottage on Canandaigua Lake, her cherished family cottage in the Thousand Islands, and her ski condo at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland, New York. These special places were woven into the fabric of her family’s memories—hosting holidays, sunsets on the dock, and long days filled with laughter and connection.

Carol’s home, heart, and arms were always open to family and friends. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome, whether they were stopping by for a quick visit or staying for the weekend. Her love language was hospitality—there was always a seat at her table, a warm meal on the stove, and more than enough food to feed a crowd. Hosting brought her joy, and she cherished every moment spent surrounded by loved ones, laughter, and conversation. Her gatherings weren’t just events—they were extensions of her love.

Known for her strong faith, independent spirit, and generous heart, Carol gave both her time and resources to a variety of charitable causes. She was a loyal fan of Michigan Wolverines and Buffalo Bills football, cheering on her teams with passion and pride.

In November 2024, Carol was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. Although the cancer spread quickly, she faced each day with determination, grace, and an unwavering faith in God. True to her strong and stubborn spirit, she fought for every moment she could with her loved ones, filling her final months with the warmth, laughter, and love of family.

A Funeral Mass to celebrate Carol’s life will be held on June 23rd at 10:00 a.m. at St. John of Rochester Church in Fairport, New York. The mass will also be livestreamed at https://stjohnfairport.org/streaming. A private family burial will follow. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life gathering at Flaherty’s in Macedon immediately following services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Perinton Ambulance Center in Carol’s memory.

Carol will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her independent spirit, and the grace with which she lived her life. Carol’s legacy lives on in the lives she shaped, the traditions she began, and the love she gave so freely. She was, and will always be, the heart of her family.