Carol (Lombardo) Giombetti, 57, of Ashland was called to Heaven on April 9th, 2012 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer that started in August 2011. She was the daughter of the late Vincent and Gertrude Lombardo. Carol is survived by her devoted husband, Alfred (Fred) and her loving children, Eric and Kristen, all of Ashland. Predeceased by her brother Joseph Lombardo and his wife Vivian, Carol leaves a brother, Robert Lombardo and his wife Linda of Marlboro, sisters Nancy Smith and her husband Michael of Grafton, Mary Rivet and her husband Steve of Bellingham, and Ann Lombardo of Marlboro. She also leaves her mother-in-law Rita Giombetti of Ashland, four brother-in-laws, their wives, and an extended family of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Carol was born in Cambridge, MA, and moved to Ashland with her family in 1966. After her graduation from Ashland High School in 1972, Carol began her long career working first as a Secretary at Goulds Pumps in Wellesley, MA., and then as Office Administrator at several other companies, including Worthington Pump, Dresser Pump and Ingersoll-Dresser Pump. Carol was actively employed at Voorhees Communication in Ashland until her illness forced her to retire. Carol's life was filled with the love and joy of family, friends and co-workers. Her greatest joy, however, came from her husband and children. Married to Fred in 1981, she loved their adventures, camping trips and vacations to Cape Cod. Adding Eric and Kristen to their family brought Carol more days of joy and laughter. She was so proud of hearing Eric perform at Tanglewood and Boston Symphony Hall with the Ashland High School band and of watching Kristen contribute to the Ashland Girls Softball team winning their division's State Championship, twice. Carol was always stepping up to help with school related activities. She was involved with the PTO for years, helped out on food programs and seemed to be there any time help was needed. It was never about her but always about what she could do for the children and the community. An avid reader, Carol also enjoyed crocheting, sewing, baking, playing cribbage with any and all. Above all, she treasured time spent with her large families and dear friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a great laugh, a smile that she shared with all and that stayed with her to the end. Carol touched many with her generosity, love and friendship; she laughed with us, cried with us and helped us in ways too numerous to count. She will be missed by all that knew her. "Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life."