Carolyn M. Hand

July 26, 1935 ~ December 26, 2025

Carolyn M. "Carol" (Bernicker) Hand, age 90, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, in Beacon, New York.

Born on July 26, 1935, in Cornwall, New York, Carolyn was the daughter of William Bernicker Jr. and Carolyn (Stevens) Bernicker. She grew up in the Hudson Valley and later pursued her education at Orange County Community College, where she earned an Associate's Degree in Education.

Carolyn dedicated four decades of her professional life to IBM, working at both the Yorktown Heights and East Fishkill locations. She began her career as a secretary and through hard work and determination rose to the position of Competitive Analyst—a role she held with pride and distinction until her retirement.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carolyn was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend. She is survived by her two daughters: Tanya (Hand) Regan and her partner Ed Ashburn of Beacon, NY; and Lori Hand of Wappingers Falls, NY. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren Shaylyn (Regan) Stackpole and her husband Tyler of Edgewater, NJ; Sean Regan and his fiancée Jenna Decembrino of Englewood, NJ; and her great-grandson Brody Sean Stackpole. She also leaves behind her son-in-law Ronald Regan of New York City.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 36 years, Charles E. Hand Jr., as well as by her parents and her brother William Bernicker III.

Carolyn found immense joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved knitting, swimming in the lake during summer days, boating and waterskiing on the lake, and spending countless cherished hours at her lake cabin on Upper Greenwood Lake in New Jersey—her "happy place." She also enjoyed traveling to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

A devoted dog mom to Maurice "Big Boy" and Andre "Squeaks," Carolyn's warmth extended to all creatures great and small. Her presence brought comfort and joy to those around her—whether family or friend—and she will be truly missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

May Carolyn's memory bring peace to those who loved her and inspiration to all who remember the strength with which she lived. A private Memorial Gathering for close family will be held at Brooks Funeral Home.