Carol Matlack Haines died peacefully on Friday, November 2 after a long illness. Her courage and grace during that period were an inspiration to all who loved her. Throughout her life Carol brought an indomitable spirit and concern for others that made her presence such a joy. There have been many wonderful smiles in this world but none that ever warmed the heart more than Carol's. Beneath her college yearbook photo was the quote "The sweet magic of a cheerful face."
She was born in Hampton, VA to Richard and Jeanne Matlack and spent her formative years living in Summit, NJ. After graduation from Cedar Crest College, she married the love of her life and moved to Short Hills, NJ where she taught first grade in the Millburn school system. Carol was all that you could ever hope for in a teacher and she touched the lives of countless children in such a positive way. While living in New Jersey she was a member of the Wyoming Presbyterian Church, the Orange Lawn Tennis Club, the Wyoming Tennis Club and the Short Hills P.E.O. women's organization. In 1997 Carol and her husband retired to Williamsburg, VA, where she was a member of the Jamestown Presbyterian Church and active in Chapter BJ of the Williamsburg P.E.O. organization. She did volunteer work at both the Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg. Carol loved the water and enjoyed being a part of the Virginia Yacht Club and was also a past member of the Kingsmill Yacht Club.
Carol leaves behind her loving husband, Carl, of 53 years, her sister Jean Fedder of Baltimore MD and her brother Richard C. Matlack Jr. of Wake Forest, NC as well as three nieces Allison Matlack, Rebecca Fedder and Sarah Fedder. Mark Twain once said in a tribute to his wife: "Wherever she was, there was Eden." And so it was with Carol. She will be dearly missed by her family and her many loving friends who are left to keep her in their heart.
Visitation will be at the Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg on Friday, November 16 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Jamestown Presbyterian Church, 3287 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg, VA. Condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.