Carol Walsh

1936-2015. Carol Louise Gazin Walsh, 79, died peacefully at her home in New Bern, North Carolina on July 15, 2015. Carol (Tikey, as she was affectionately known by her family) was born in Troy, New York on July 30, 1936 and attended nearby Emma Willard School. She met her husband Richard F. Walsh (Dick) on a blind date at a RPI hockey game. They were later married on January 1, 1955 while Dick was on leave from the Navy during the Christmas Holidays. Together they raised three children on Long Island, NY. Carol worked as a legal assistant for many years before becoming a full time first mate on their boats. In their retirement Carol and Dick fulfilled their dreams sailing for 14 years through the Gulf of Mexico, coastal Florida and the Bahamas. Along the way Carol forged many friendships and experienced new adventures which she recounted in great detail to her children and grandchildren. Carol was an accomplished painter, avid reader, a first-rate story teller, and a knowable sports enthusiast. Having overcome a year of paralysis from polio at the age of 13, Carol believed that the best way to get through tough times was to face them head on with optimism. She lived out her life always finding the bright side in the toughest of situations.

She was greatly comforted in her last years of life by her wonderful neighbors and friends, who so thoughtfully looked after her.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband Dick, Brother Paul and sister-in law Joan Gazin, sisters Roberta and Claire. She is survived by her sons Rick (Meg) of Charlotte, NC, Scott (Siobhan) of Vienna Virginia, daughter Janet of Manchester, Vermont and her five beloved grandchildren, Emily, Susan, Patrick, Kathleen and Molly; along with her nine nieces and nephews.

Carol’s wishes were that her ashes be scattered in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Her family and friends will celebrate her life and her request during the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Memorial donations may be made to the USO or a local volunteer hospice organization.