By Spencerport Village Mayor Gary Penders
Spencerport’s Deputy Mayor Carol Nellis-Ewell died on July 5, 2026, at 79 years old.
Hers was a life that was woven entirely into the fabric of this village. To the public, she was Deputy Mayor Carol Nellis-Ewell—a tireless leader, a fierce advocate for our seniors, with a sharp financial and structural mind. But to me, and to so many of you in this community, she was simply Carol. A trusted partner, a sounding board, and a dear, irreplaceable friend.
When you sit next to someone on a village board for well over a decade, you truly get to know their heart. You see them wrestling with complex zoning codes, budgeting responsibly, and planning for the long-term safety and beauty of our streets. Carol didn’t just attend meetings; she lived the work. Whether she was championing our green initiatives or chairing Planning and Zoning, she brought an unmatched standard of excellence and care to everything she touched.
Her dedication extended far beyond the walls of the Village Office. Carol had a massive heart for our aging community, dedicating her precious time to SAHARO to ensure our seniors were supported, active, and treated with the dignity they deserved. She understood that a true hometown looks after every single generation.
Of course, there was her vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. Together with her beloved late husband, Harry, she brought a piece of the wider world right here to our doorsteps with Afrikamba Curios. She was a proud local business owner, earning the title of Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year. That shop wasn’t just a business; it reflected Carol’s curiosity, her love for culture, and her ability to find beauty in every corner of life.
Carol’s passing after her illness leaves a void that we will feel for a very long time. It is hard to imagine walking into our workshop sessions or looking across the group and not seeing her there, ready to second a motion or push us to do better for Spencerport.
But as we grieve, we must also choose to remember the legacy she left behind. Every time we look at a beautifully planned corner of our village, see our senior residents thriving, or feel that unique sense of pride that comes with living in Spencerport, we are experiencing Carol’s footprint.
Carol, thank you for your service. Thank you for your fierce commitment to our hometown. And above all, thank you for your friendship. You have served your community beautifully, and you can now rest easily. You will be deeply missed.
