Carol Ann Brereton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carol Ann Brereton, who left us peacefully on April 6th, at Pennybyrn in High Point, North Carolina, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Born on December 13,1938 in Hyattsville, Maryland, she lived a life filled with love, adventure, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Carol was the daughter of Frederick and Louella Smith. She grew up in Hyattsville and attended Seton Hill College in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Her education laid the foundation for a life dedicated to service, as she worked as a Social Worker in various capacities. While working in Fort Dix, New Jersey, she met the love of her life, Army Captain Tom Brereton. Their three-month courtship led to a beautiful marriage filled with countless adventures and a growing family.

In 1975, Carol embraced her entrepreneurial spirit and founded "Homes by Owners," a local publication that helped families find their dream homes. After being diagnosed with MS, she was determined to maintain her physical health. With the encouragement of her husband Tom, she took up golf, a passion that led the couple on numerous travel adventures around the globe.

She was widowed at a young age, but she persevered and even thrived in the coming years. She enjoyed her dinners and adventures with the Pineapple Girls Club and continued to travel around the world with friends and play golf with several different groups each week.

Her dedication to her community was demonstrated through her continued volunteer work delivering Meals on Wheels and with the Red Cross, where Carol was named the Red Cross Volunteer of the Year. She served on the board of The Villas at Eagle Pointe Homeowners Association for many years, where she was a force to be reckoned with. She was a devout Catholic and valued member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.

Carol was known for her kindness and compassion, traits that left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband Tom, her son Rich, and her daughter-in-law Anita and baby Emily. She is survived by her loving children: Catherine Brereton Woods (and her husband Martin), Thomas J. Brereton Jr., Deborah Brereton Barbier (and her husband Ralph), Barbara Brereton Buhr, Elizabeth Brereton Welsch (and her husband Sean) and daughter-in-law Michelle Barbier Brereton of Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, she leaves behind 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Carol is also survived by her sisters, Margie Myles of Atlanta Georgia and Jeanne Felix of Terra Alta, West Virginia.

A funeral service to honor Carol's life will be held at Pennybyrn at Mary Field in High Point, North Carolina at 11:00 on Saturday, April 12th.

Our family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Pennybyrn. From the facility directors to the medical professionals, the nuns, the priests, and the community volunteers, the care and compassion they gave our mom was exemplary. They always had her best interests at heart, and their kindness extended not only to her but to our entire family during this challenging time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pennybyrn at Maryfield, https://www.pennybyrnliving.org/giving-to-pennybyrn/ or

The Red Cross, Piedmont Triad Chapter https://www.redcross.org/local/north-carolina/about-us/locations/piedmont-triad.html?srsltid=AfmBOord-f8S84EjLygY1SGy5nmpdUvKxtE5pRhA6hceOWf6HkadZ4Rp