STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Carol Principe, 78, a Dongan Hills resident known to generations of students for her nearly five-decade teaching career at St. Christopher's School in Grant City, died in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, on Tuesday after a four-month battle with cancer. 

Born Carol Caruso in Brooklyn, Mrs. Principe moved to Dongan Hills in 1965. Mrs. Principe was a first-grade teacher at St. Christopher's School for 46 years, working up until the time of her death. She received Senate Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Service as a Teacher from state Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island).

Prior to her time in education, Mrs. Principe was a chemist at New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan.  She received a master's degree in elementary education, with a specialty in reading, from the former Richmond College in 1975. Mrs. Principe received a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Brooklyn College in 1956.

She enjoyed cooking, particularly Italian specialty dishes, and reading. She also enjoyed entertaining friends and family.  She was a parishioner of St. Ann's R.C. Church, Dongan Hills, and St. Christopher's R.C. Church in Grant City. 

"She was devoted to her children at school and to her family," said Patrick Principe, her husband of 55 years.  In addition to her husband, Mrs. Principe is survived by her son, Dr. David L.; a daughter, Stephanie A. Principe, and six grandchildren.

The funeral will be Friday from the Hanley Funeral Home, New Dorp, with a mass at 12:30 p.m. in St.