CAMDEN — Carole Joyce Brand left this earth far better than she found it 78 years ago! Carole died on January 11, 2025, after a period of declining health in Rockland, Maine. 

She was born on October 6, 1946, and adopted by Jesse and Josephine (Buddy Markus) Brand. Carole attended public schools in Brooklyn, New York. She earned a B.A. in English and Psychology from Brooklyn College. After completing graduate work at Harvard Business School and New York University, Carole taught management and organization studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Carole retired in 2005 from Hoffmann La Roche, where she served in various capacities, lastly as Vice President of Human Resources for the U.S. pharmaceuticals business. During her 35-year career, she focused on international management development, organizational restructuring, and change management to help the organization function more effectively and allow people to contribute their best. Carole was recognized for her contributions to the New Jersey company as a Tribute to Women in Industry recipient of the Commissioner’s Special Citation from the Food and Drug Administration.

With retirement came the joy of living full-time in Midcoast Maine, where she found numerous passions and opportunities to pursue. As she had done throughout her life in New Jersey, Carole supported many organizations with her time and talents, especially those focused on helping women and children, animals, healthcare, education, and music. She served in several positions with Bay Chamber Concerts, the Board of Literacy Volunteers of Midcoast Maine, Home Counselors, Inc., Midcoast Community Chorus, and the Coastal Health Alliance (MaineHealth) in Maine.

All her life, Carole found spiritual homes. She was raised Jewish, and this laid a foundation of love of God and love of learning. She found this same love and community at the Central Presbyterian Church (Montclair, New Jersey) and was baptized in 1978. Carole served as an alto soloist, Clerk of Session, and the chair of both long-range planning and the Personnel Committee. Upon moving to Maine, she became a member of First Congregational Church, Camden, where she was a member of the choir and served on the Pastoral Care and Personnel Committees.

When she wasn't working or in meetings, Carole loved to sing and studied voice for many years. In her spare time, she practiced piano, competed in crossword puzzle tournaments, enjoyed opera, read voraciously, and played word games. Truthfully, one of the few things Carole didn't excel at was arithmetic, which likely influenced, in her words, her being “barely proficient at Bridge.”

Carole was bright and accomplished, but she never made anyone feel less so. We will remember her most for the kindness and curiosity she showed towards others. Carole made the best of her changing health situations, and her positive acceptance of the move to assisted living and quick sense of humor helped her make the best of her last years. Never one to lament what was no longer possible, Carole continued to touch and be touched by many lives. She will be greatly missed, but we know her song will continue in those she left behind.

A celebration of Carole’s life is planned for April 25, 2025, at 3 p.m., at First Congregational Church, Camden, Maine. A reception will follow immediately afterward.

Instead of flowers, Carole asked that we spend time with a loved one or send a donation to a favorite organization.

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com