Carol Lea Grounds

Averill Park - Carol Lea Grounds, 74, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Albany in 1952, Carol was the daughter of the late Joan (Iwanos) Salisbury and Kenneth Salisbury, and the cherished stepdaughter of the late Arba Ferguson.

A graduate of Columbia High School, Carol began her career with New York State immediately after graduation. She later chose to leave the workforce to devote herself to raising her family, a role she embraced with endless love and selflessness. After her children were grown, she returned to work and retired from OrthoNY in 2020, where she formed many lasting friendships.

Carol found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved tending to her flower gardens, watching hummingbirds visit her yard, and creating crafts alongside her beloved sister. Some of her most treasured moments were spent surrounded by family, especially during the cherished Sunday pool gatherings that brought everyone together. Above all else, Carol's greatest joy was being "mimi." Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she delighted in every moment spent with them.

Those who knew Carol will remember her gentle spirit, warm smile, and unwavering kindness. She had a remarkable ability to put others before herself, offering compassion, encouragement, and love without hesitation. Her generous heart touched everyone she met, and her legacy of love will continue to live on through the family she so deeply cherished.

Carol is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Donald A. Grounds; her loving children, Pam (Matt) Hyde, Matthew (fiancée Jamie) Grounds, and Bryan (Sarah) Grounds; and her treasured grandchildren, Jack Hyde, William Grounds, and Cadence Grounds. She is also survived by her sisters, Jean Salisbury-Elden, Barbara Weber, and Debbie Roberts, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Carol was predeceased by her brothers, Kenny and Jeff Salisbury.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Carol's family on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie.

Carol's family will forever remember her loving heart, her beautiful smile, and the countless ways she made those around her feel cared for. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Memorial contributions may be made in Carol's memory to the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org/, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD, 21741, and/or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospitalhttps://www.stjude.org/donate, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.