Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Carol E. Perry (Higgins), lovingly owned as “Mimi” (her favorite role), age 72, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 20, 2024, at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington following a brief illness.
Carol was born in Chelsea, MA, on October 11, 1951; she was the cherished daughter of the late Alexander and Mary (Fennelly) Higgins. Carol spent her early years in Medford, MA, before her family moved to Wilmington when she was 10 years old. Carol quickly got adjusted to her new community, she attended Wilmington Public Schools where she made many friends and went on to graduate Wilmington High School with the Class of 1970.
Following High School, Carol, took a position at Sweetheart Plastics in Wilmington. Carol’s endearing and sweet personality drew people to her; Carol worked hard but she loved to socialize with her co-workers and they had a lot of fun throughout the years.
Carol was set up on a date with Philip Perry; the couple hit it off and were soon inseparable. It was truly a love at first sight and they were married nine months later in August of 1984. Carol and Phil lived in Reading for a short time before moving back to Wilmington and in 1989 Carol’s dreams of becoming a “Mom” came true with the birth of her beloved only child Maryellen. Carol was very devoted to her daughter; she was always there to lend a hand, attend every school and sporting event and she was always Maryellen’s biggest cheerleader.
Carol was so kind and loving; after becoming a mom she decided to open her own day care in her home which she called “Gingerbread Kids”. Carol loved “her kids” unconditionally; she treated them as her own and made a fun atmosphere for them to thrive in for over 25 years.
When Carol became a “Mimi” to her grandchildren Tiffany and Matthew her world became even brighter; she just adored them and spent as much time with them as she could. Carol’s role as Mimi was one that she truly treasured; she loved to teach her grandchildren new things, and encourage them to do their best and follow their dreams. Carol always beamed with pride as she spoke of her family and their accomplishments.
In her spare time, Carol, enjoyed gardening, she loved plants, she also took pride in decorating and celebrating holidays with family and friends, and baking her famous cookies to share with all.
Carol with be fondly remembered for her devotion to her family, friends, and Christian Faith. She was kind, loving, courteous, and helpful towards everyone she met. Carol had a sweet personality, a beautiful smile, and a heart of gold; she will forever be loved and missed by all who knew her.
Carol was the beloved wife of Philip Perry, devoted mother of Maryellen Shaughnessy and her husband Matthew, loving “Mimi” of Tiffany and Matthew, and dear sister of Kelly Collura and her husband Billy all of Wilmington. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Monday, June 24th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. followed by a Service to Celebrate Carol’s life at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s memory may be made to a Charity of your Choice.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.

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