Carol Belanger

Carol Ann Belanger, 78, died February 3rd, 2025, at her home in Levant, ME. Carol was born June 17, 1946, in Caribou, ME to parents William and Harriett Cookingham and grew up in Washburn, Maine.

Carol graduated from D'lor Beauty School and was a skilled cosmetologist for many years. She went on to become an instructor for D'lor in 1995 and then an examiner for the Maine State Board of Cosmetology. After retiring from cosmetology Carol spent her summers working for the State of Maine as a Recreational Campsite Host. She loved this job as it allowed her to be in the woods where she was happiest.

Carol had three great loves in her life: her husband Valmore Belanger, photography and her family. She married the love of her life, Valmore Belanger, on February 24th, 1978, and spent a full and happy life with Val until his death in 2023. Carol loved being out in nature and often she and Val would go off into the woods to camp, fish and hunt. Her most favorite place to go was Nahmakanta Lake where she was most at peace. Carol's love of nature led to her passion for photography. She was well known for her photographs and had a large following on social media. Carol was very proud to have several of her photos published in various publications including the Bangor Daily News, Downeast Magazine and the Piscataquis Observer. In addition to having her photos published, Carol was extremely proud of receiving a Big Game Award from the Maine Antler & Skull Trophy Club in 2007 for her whitetail deer. Carol loved her family, both immediate and extended and had many "Daughters of My Heart". When she learned she might have some additional family on her father's side, Carol developed an obsession with researching her ancestry which ultimately led to her finding three brothers and a sister. Connecting with her newfound family filled her heart and was one of the greatest joys of Carol's life.

In recent years, Carol loved to birdwatch. She would take bird pictures from her window to share with her social media followers. She would also watch the online webcam of the south Florida eagles' nest, often talking about the progress of the eaglets in the nest.

Carol is predeceased by her parents William and Harriett Cookingham, husband Valmore Belanger, brothers Peter Martin, Bill Hamblin, and Jim Cookingham, and sister Mildred Legacy.

Carol is survived by her beloved dog Molly, three daughters Vicky Ashlock, of Glendale Arizona, Wendi Choiniere of Mooresville North Carolina and Nichole Belanger, of Levant Maine; sister Patricia Borden of Caribou Maine; brother Larry Cookingham of Ilion New York; cherished grandchildren Jessica and Jerico Hunter, Morgan, Cameron and Sophia Choiniere, and Dylan Collins; and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

A memorial celebration of Carol's life will be held in the summer of 2025, time and place to be announced at a future date.