Carol Jo Shybunko

Carol Jo (Fonda) Shybunko, 90, of Rhinebeck, and Smithtown New York, passed away March 19, 2023.
Born in 1932 she was the daughter of Joseph & Agnes Matteson. Carol attended Long Island Agricultural & Technical College, earning an Associate’s degree in Advertising Arts and Design. In 1953 she married Frank Fonda Jr and moved to Rhinebeck NY in 1965. Carol married her second husband Daniel Shybunko in 1991 and resided in St James, NY on Long Island.
Carol enjoyed the great outdoors, camping being one of her favorites along with skiing, skating, swimming, and sailing. She was a dog lover and owned many different breeds over the years which brought her great comfort and joy. Carol was a lifelong avid gardener as well as a botanical enthusiast. Her hobbies included raising sheep, chickens, songbirds, as well as knitting, watercolor painting, organ playing, and singing in the Rhinebeck Choral Club. A passion of hers, Carol taught the art of spinning, weaving and natural dyeing, was a past President of The Spinning Study Group of Long Island, and was a long-time member of the Smithtown Historical Society. She was an artist at heart, especially fond of decorating for the Rhinebeck Choral Club and Smithtown Historical Society theme events. She has impacted many people positively through her passion and contributions, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
Carol is survived by her five children; Dee Fonda, Karen Fisher (Scott), Chip Fonda (Kimberly), Mitch Fonda (Louise), Russ Fonda (Michelle), grandchildren; Megan Fisher, Jeremy Fisher, Megyn Fonda, great-grandson Xander Fisher, brother-in-law Al Holliday, nieces, nephews, and a host of long-time friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, and sister Ruth Holliday. A private memorial gathering will be held at a later date for the immediate family.
The family would like to thank Carol’s caregivers at Whisper Woods of Smithtown and her doctors, Dr. Friedling and Dr. Kalonaros.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Carol’s memory to The Spinning Study Group of Long Island, Rhinebeck Choral club, or a charity of your choice.
Spinning Study Group of Long Island
C/O Maria Hughes
28 Mud Road
East Setauket, NY 11733

Rhinebeck Choral Club
C/O Maureen Ruberto
24 Dorliss Dr
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603