Carol A. McDonough

Carol A. (Harootunian) McDonough, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Aspire Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Walpole, Massachusetts. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on November 3, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Suran and Shaka “Shirley” (Sinanian) Harootunian. She was raised in Dedham, Massachusetts, and following her graduation from Dedham High School, she began her working career as a seamstress in a local shop.

As a young woman, Carol married Americo C. Taddeo and together they welcomed a daughter, Tanya. As her daughter grew up, Carol took a waitressing position with Anthony's Pier 4 in Boston, learning the ins and outs of the restaurant business and picking up some recipes along the way.

Carol went on to marry David Tack, and together they owned and operated The White Cab Company in Hyde Park. Carol was the second woman in Massachusetts to obtain a hackney license, a privilege that saw her picking up fares throughout the city. An entrepreneur at heart, Carol also began her own business, Vintage Maltese, breeding and finding perfect homes for her dogs, an operation that she was able to hand over to her daughter in later years. In her 40s, Carol returned to her education, taking classes at the Massachusetts School of Art, finding her skill set in various mediums.

Using her newly acquired skills from art school, Carol was named activities assistant at a nursing home in Wellesley. She later took the same role at Emerald Court in Norwood, developing many wonderful relationships with the residents. Carol retired in 2001 after many years of dedicated service and building great friendships. In her retirement years Carol left her hometown of Dedham, making her new home with her daughter in South Walpole in 2004.

One of the friendships she built at Emerald Court was with a gentleman named Robert G. McDonough. As they were both widowed, the two formed a bond that blossomed into love and eventually celebrated a wedding ceremony at her daughter's home. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2013, and shortly thereafter, Carol and her family moved across town to settle in East Walpole.

Throughout her life, Carol looked forward to friendly competition. She enjoyed candle pin bowling and was featured on the show "Candle Pins for Cash", celebrating a high score of 180. She could be found in various bingo halls across Dedham, Norwood, and the surrounding area, gathering with friends to see who would be the first to fill their card. Her favorite trips were to the casino, where she would always try her luck playing cards or with a roll of the dice.

More than anything, Carol was devoted to her family. She loved spending time with Tanya and particularly enjoyed making her dance costumes when she was young. Her sewing skills came in handy when Tanya opened her own studio, The Dance Center, in Dedham, often working alongside her daughter to construct costumes for the annual recital. Carol was delighted at the birth of her grandchildren, Deuce and Marianna, taking an active role in their care when they were young. Whenever Carol cooked, everyone was invited for dinner, as she prepared wonderful meals for her family, most notably "Gram's Clams". This past January, Carol's family surprised her with a trip to Graceland, so she could visit the home of Elvis. As a huge Elvis fan, Carol was delighted not only to see the sights, but to be in the company of those she loved most.

Beloved wife of the late Robert G. McDonough and David Tack.

Former wife of Americo C. Taddeo.

Loving mother of Tanya M. McCallum and her husband, David, of Walpole.

Cherished grandmother of David "Deuce" McCallum and Marianna McCallum.

Sister of Arlene Terrasi of Marlborough, Laraine "Lori" Kirby of Foxborough, and Dolores Martino of Grand Island, Florida.

Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

At the request of Carol's family, all immediate funeral services will be held privately. A celebration of life will be announced by her family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Carol's name may be made to Walpole Senior Center 60 South Street Walpole, MA 02081.

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.