Carolyn J. (Swain, Regnault, Gartner) Kinsella, a lifetime resident of RI, lived 94 years, 8 months and one day when she was called home to the Lord on July 10, 2026. She was a loving, funny, independent, and spicy woman of Faith who lived her chosen life to the very end - always surprising, forever strong. Touching the lives of many, she will be sorely missed, but her life will be celebrated.
Famous for her cookies, Carolyn would bake daily and less frequently in later years, with her love flowing through every sweet treat she offered. She was a fabulous cook, talented seamstress, and meticulous homemaker. While she cleaned, she would sing along with Eddy Arnold (her country crush) whose secretary in Nashville became her pen pal. She found joy tending to her flower gardens and nurturing houseplants, especially her African violets. A trip to the beach and eating lobster were pure pleasure. She favored crossword and sudoku puzzles over TV, and was an avid reader. Although she never learned to ride a bike or swim, she frequently went roller-skating, where she met her first husband. While a young Mom, she joined a bowling league and also took up cribbage. Above all, she treasured time with family and friends.
Having worked in the costume jewelry industry for many years, Carolyn had an eye for quality pieces and fancied accessories, especially beautiful scarves, shoes, and earrings. Carolyn was a retired bookkeeper, working for several employers, including A&H Manufacturing, Karam Jewelers, and Charles Manufacturing. Her sharp eye and knack for numbers were retained, as was her wit.
When asked by the nurse what beverage she would prefer, “Southern Comfort Old Fashioned, light on the bitters.”
Carolyn was a giver, a firm believer in Jesus Christ, focused on kindness and love from within. She taught the Golden Rule by example and was active in her church, Our Redeemer. When asked how she sustained such a quality life, her unwavering reply: “My Faith.”
Married three times, divorced once, and widowed twice, Carolyn had her own village. She is predeceased by her parents, Josef and Ella A. (Schultheiss) Gartner; her brother, Robert Gartner (San Jose, CA); and her husbands: William J. Kinsella, Jr., Chester S. Swain, and Edmund V. Regnault (divorced). Beloved mother of three, step-mother of many; Carolyn is survived by her children: Stephen C. Regnault, Joseph A. Regnault, Renee Trotta Kettelle (her husband, Bradford), Melissa B. Swain, Colleen Fortin (her husband, Robert). Adored “Grandma, Nana, Gigi, Great Nana,” Carolyn is survived by her grand and great grandchildren: John Trotta III (his wife, Renea and their son, John Trotta IV); Maria R. Dexter (her husband, Vincent and their son Vincent John); Adrianna T. Kelly (her husband, David); Christina Lomastro (her husband, Nicholas and their sons Remington and Winchester); Kimberly Styner (her husband, Steven and their daughter Mia); Joseph A. Regnault, Jr., Kyle Regnault, Brandon Regnault, Jared Regnault and their families. She also is survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews and friends.
Her funeral will be held at 10:30am on Thursday July 16th from the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. A funeral service will be held at 11am in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 54 Cedar Swamp Road, Smithfield. Burial will follow in Philips Memorial Cemetery, Foster. Her visitation will be held Thursday July 16th from 9am to 10:30am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to one of the following charities:
The RI Community Foodbank, 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 www.rifoodbank.org
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 54 Cedar Swamp Road, Smithfield, RI 02917 www.orelc.org
HopeHealth Hospice Services, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 www.hopehealthco.org
The RI Community Foodbank
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
HopeHealth Hospice Center