Carol Anne Brothers, RN, 79, the beloved wife of William A. Brothers passed away Friday, March 29, 2024. She was a daughter of the late Thomas and Agnes (Allen) Sliney. Carol was a Registered Nurse at Miriam Hospital for 8 years; she started her career in 1968 as Miriam Hospital’s first IV nurse. She ultimately became the hospitals IV supervisor and chairwoman of the pharmacy therapeutic committee.

 In 1973, Carol became ill on a routine call and tests showed that her kidneys had malfunctioned. She quickly began dialysis treatments and with the uncertainty of her health, she leaned into those closest to her. One of those people being her then boyfriend William A. Brothers, who grew up living only a house away. He was committed to remaining by her side, even if their future wasn’t certain. After proposing to Carol, he sought out expedited premarital counseling and the two were married two weeks later on May 20, 1974.

 On June 26, 1975, Carol received the news that they had found a donor, who was so close to a match, that it could have come from a sibling. She underwent surgery and became the 6th surviving kidney transplant in Rhode Island. Although she underwent difficult side effects from the transplant, the two were blessed to enjoy 50 years of marriage. Together, they became advocates for transplant recipients, speaking about her experience at medical conventions.   

 Carol was a member of the Rhode Island Nurses Association and loved spending time with her husband in Martha’s Vineyard, trips to Florida and going on cruises.

 Her funeral was private. Because of her love for gardening and her appreciation for organ donation, she asked for people to plant a perennial in their yard or sign up to be an organ donor.

 For information and condolences visit www.TheQuinnFuneralHome.com