Carol L. Bess

OLEAN — Carol Louise Bess, 76, a resident of the Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Olean for the past seven months, formerly of Irving Street, passed away Saturday (Aug. 1, 2026), after a long illness.

Born September 19, 1949, in Rochester, she was the daughter of Kenneth and Virginia Mason.

She was a 1966 graduate of Jefferson High School, Rochester.

After graduating high school, she worked as a nurse’s aide for several years before moving to Olean in 1976.

In Olean, she was a faithful member and deacon of the First Presbyterian Church. Her membership included active service with the MEF & Christian Ed Committees and Presbyterian Women. She also volunteered helping with church office work and at the Olean Public Library as a coupon cutter.

Carol found pleasure in working on puzzles, dining out and taking long walks around town with her sister. While residing at The Pines, Carol enjoyed playing Bingo along with her roommate Renee, and was an active member of the Crafty Crew, a small group of friends that met weekly to create art. The group was led by Laurie Donner, with whom she shared a special friendship.

She is survived by her sister, Cynthia Shaver of Olean; cousin, Robert (Letty) Mason of Ohio; and longtime family friends from Dansville, Tim (Nancy) Hussong now of South Carolina.

In addition to her parents, Carol was predeceased by close friends, William and Marcia Snyder and Betty Osgood.

Friends are welcome to attend a memorial service at 11:15 a.m. Sunday (August. 9, 2026) at the First Presbyterian Church, 212 Laurens St. Olean, following the 10 a.m. worship service. Rev. Marilyn Hale will preside in Rev. Bruce Levine’s absence. Light refreshments will be served following the service. Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery, Allegany.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Olean or to a charity of choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.