Carol Ordway Webb, 76, of Vero Beach, died peacefully at her home on July 23, 2009. Carol was born on Sept. 6, 1932, in Montclair, N.J. Carol and her late husband, Bill, began a very happy chapter when they moved to Vero Beach in the early 1990s from Connecticut. They enjoyed their new life between the ocean and the Indian River.
Carol became involved with McKee Gardens and The Indian River Land Trust, serving on the boards of both. She loved being engaged in the community and cherished the vibrancy of her many dear friends. Survivors include her three daughters, Eliza (Mark Eppli) Webb, of Whitefish Bay, Wisc.; Electra (Al) Tortorella, of Sharon, Conn., and Angie (Stuart) Kensinger, of Houston; and her five beloved grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William G. Webb; her mother and father, Marjorie and John Ordway; and her brother, Ellis Ordway.
She graduated from Miss Porter’s School and Briarcliff Junior College. In the early 1950s, she lived and worked in New York City, and it was then that both her career and love of art blossomed. She attended Parson’s School of Design and worked in the art department of Town & Country magazine. She was then hired by the ad firm of Doyle, Dane, Bernbach as one of their first female art directors. It was during these years that she met Bill Webb, and the two began their courtship in a glamorous post-war New York, enjoying nights on the town with friends that would remain dear to them for life.
Carol and Bill wed in 1956 and remained married for 47 years until Bill’s death in 2003. Carol was a wonderful mother, and their New Canaan, Conn., home was always happy and bustling with friends and family. Memories from these years include summers in Edgartown, spring breaks in Captiva, and countless cheers from the side of a playing field or ice rink. Carol had many talents and pursued them all with gusto, including playing both the four and five string banjo, painting, shooting a shotgun with keen accuracy left or right handed, and knitting one-of-a-kind sweaters.
In the early 1970s, she and Bill embarked on a new adventure when they co-founded Webb & Parsons, a contemporary American art gallery and consulting business. Carol had an innate talent for not only finding but also fostering young artists. She found much delight in her numerous trips into SoHo, exposing her friends and daughters to the exciting world of art.
Carol loved people. She had the ability to dial right into the center of a person, and friends wanted to be around her and felt safe in her company. She leaves a legacy of true friendship, zest for life, and grit.
Carol died after a long and courageous fight against cancer. It won’t surprise anyone who knew her that during this ordeal, she never complained. She remained optimistic and upbeat throughout.
Carol loved life, children, environment and country. She cared deeply about people and concentrated on living. Her spirit was extraordinary. We will miss her very much.
The family would like to thank all of her incredible friends for their love and support, and Adrienne Collins for her care and good company.
Donations in Carol’s name may be made to Indian River Land Trust 1904 12th Ct., Vero Beach, Fl 32960; McKee Botanical Garden – 350 US 1, Vero Beach, Fl 32962; or Save the Chimps Foundation – PO Box 12220, Ft. Pierce, FL 34979.
A memorial service will held at McKee Botanical Garden on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 4 p.m., with a reception to follow.
