Carole McDermott
Carole McDermott, a longtime office manager in the Office of Communications, died August 22, 2014, in Saratoga Springs. She was 80.
Born Aug. 24, 1933, Carole was raised in Hudson Falls, the daughter of the late Electa and Harold Carter. She earned a degree in dietetics at the SUNY College at Cobleskill. After college, she married Harry Kullman and they had four children. The family moved to Saratoga Springs in 1965 and in 1969, Carole joined the Skidmore community as a secretary in what was then called the Public Affairs Office. She was named office manager in 1974 and held that title until she retired in August 1988.
Over the years, Carole handled a number of tasks, including the creation and mailing of thousands of dean’s lists announcements to students’ hometown newspapers, and the typing and copying of the weekly “Skidmore Intercom” newsletter. Her IBM Selectric typewriter received a good workout—she was an impressively fast and accurate typist. Carole had a strong work ethic and was open to innovation. When the Communications Office received several early Mac computers, Carole taught herself word processing and then shared that knowledge with others.
Carole was known for her ability to find the fun in any task, and her hearty laugh was a distinguishing feature. Bob Kimmerle, director of community relations, was Carole’s last Skidmore supervisor. He said, “Carole was the office manager in Communications when I came on board in 1986, and we worked together until she retired. She knew the ropes here and did not hesitate to advise me on the ins and outs of the Skidmore culture. She was smart, funny, outspoken, and sometimes pretty darn loud. We had a great time together.”
Retiree Edith Sullivan, who worked with Carole in communications for many years, later transferred to the Publications Office. Carole said good-bye to Edith with a poem that drew on memories from their years as colleagues. “It was so typical of Carole—thoughtful and funny,” said Edith.
After retirement, Carole’s calendar was full—she loved to travel, she regularly joined friends for bridge, and she was a frequent volunteer with many community organizations.
Carole was predeceased by her first husband, Harry Kullman; their son, Daniel King Kullman; and her second husband, Charles T. McDermott. She is survived by her three daughters: Kathy Speck of Round Lake, Ellen White of Jupiter, Florida, and Julie Brino of Saratoga Springs; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.