Obituary of Carol Ann Burak

Carol Ann Slagel Burak, 84, of Halfmoon, beloved wife of the late Norman T. “Norm” Burak, peacefully entered into eternal life surrounded by her loving family early Thursday morning, February 6, 2025 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy. Born in Utica, New York, daughter of the late John and Mary Grimm Slagel, and a graduate of Utica Free Academy High School.

Carol loved her family and friends. She was a vibrant lady who brought much love and light to those who knew and loved her. She spent over 50 years with the love of her life, Norm. After Norm passed in 2014, she continued to live her life to the fullest with her family and friends.

She lived in a wonderful neighborhood where neighbors cared about one another and looked out for each other. She worked part time at Marshalls for many years, where both employees and customers alike loved her, and she loved her job. Some of her most favorite times were spent in the Adirondack Mountains in Eagle Bay and Tupper Lake, stemming back to her childhood. She most recently was happiest sitting on the porch overlooking Tupper Lake at Steve and Christine’s cabin. When asked about their mom, her children will always say they had the best mom in the world and loved every moment they spent with her.

Carol adored her three grandchildren and boasted about them all the time. They will miss her greatly and all her unconditional love. She was also considered a second mom to many of her nieces and nephews. Her home often served as an Airbnb to many of those nieces and nephews. She loved to have family in her house and take care of them. She made your stay feel special as with everything she did for others. If you know her well you know she liked things “perfect”. She enjoyed traveling to California to spend time with her daughter Jill and Christopher. She also enjoyed spending time with her girlfriends. Some of these lovely ladies have been friends with Carol for decades and their hearts are forever joined.

Carol was the “Sweetest Mom” to Craig (Shari) Burak, Christine (Steve) Festin and Jill (Christopher Tremmel) Burak, beloved grandmother to John Craig Burak (Taylor), Nathanial Burak (Leah) and Madeleine Festin. Dear sister of the late Martin Slagel and the late Marion Skowron whom she loved and missed immensely. Godmother to her niece and dearest friend Regina Chambers. Also survived by several nieces and nephews and their families, who loved and adored their Aunt Carol as she adored each of them.

Family and friends are invited to Visitation on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the St. Edward the Confessor Church Chapel, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065 and to Carol Ann’s Mass of Christian Burial in St. Edward the Confessor Church, immediately following the Visitation.

Thanks to the medical staff at Samaritan Hospital who were compassionate in their efforts to save her life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation in honor of her loving husband, Norm.

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