I taught at Wyoming and will always remember Carol's sunny disposition. She was a beacon of light!
Phyllis Ellsworth

Still thinking of you with sadness and gratefulness; your smile, and love continue to be with us and will be forever in our heart.
Anne and Manlio

We have such fond memories of Carol who we have learned to love over the years

Mrs. Haines (she will always be Mrs. Haines to me) was my second-grade teacher at Wyoming ES in 1969-70. I have stronger memories of that class than nearly any other until college -- the week when the whole class got chicken pox (and gave it to Mr. Sabatis, the gym teacher), the week when Mrs. Haines permitted us to watch -- *during the school day* -- the New York Mets play in the World Series, and always that amazing, amazing smile. I am so sorry to hear of her passing, to which my parents were alerted by an obit in the Star-Ledger. Knowing of my fondness for Mrs. Haines, they sent it to me. She's made a huge difference in my life, since I was 6 years old. I hope my vivid recollections are of some comfort to her family.

I met Carol in college, where we became friends. We became even closer friends after college, getting together every Tuesday night just to chat, laugh, and play games. I married my high school sweetheart, Russ, immediately after college. Carol married Carl one year later. The four of us had such good times together and got together as often as possible. But career paths eventually put many miles between us, and we no longer got to see each other very often. No matter, we stayed in touch, wrote letters, and the yearly Christmas cards with letters kept us up to date.

Carol was never one to complain or dampen anyone’s spirit with her problems, so I didn’t learn about her long illness and suffering until a year ago, when we reconnected and have stayed in close touch ever since. Despite how she was feeling, her voice on the other end of the phone was always cheerful, upbeat, happy to hear from you and wanting to know all about you and your family, etc. Carol was like that her whole life...happy, caring, thoughtful, concerned about others rather than about herself. She was a truly brave warrior who brought joy to others and put a smile on your face and a smile in your heart. Thank you, Carol, for being such a special friend and for being a bright light and a source of inspiration to all who were blessed to have known you. You will be greatly missed.

Judy Steel

In the summer of 1961 Carl said to me “Come with me, I would like to introduce you to my girlfriend”.  So I met Carol, short dark brown hair, a smile that brought life and joy, a clear and contagious laughter that brought happiness, a demeanor that made all around her feel good.  Since, we have been seeing each other, Carl and Carol, Anne and I for half a century, in New Jersey and then in Virginia, at least twice or three times a year; each time when we parted, we were happier and felt good.  Thanks for such warm and lovely memories, Carol, we will miss you terribly.  We know God is now smiling at you.
Manlio L.


Carol  treated everyone with respect, charm, and friendliness.  Her beautiful smile sparkled.  She was  a wonderful hostess and always made a person feel welcome.  As an excellent past teacher, she had a deep sense of order and protocol.  My husband Peter and I spent many happy hours with Carol and Carl in New Jersey and later in Virginia.  Carol was a deeply religious person , and I know her soul is living in heavenly peace.

I'll never forget the first time I heard Carol's voice.  She called me to encourage me to attend Scholarship weekend at Cottey College, and at the time, she was a complete stranger to me.  But not for long.   Very quickly Carol became an important part of my life, a friend, a cheerleader, and in a very concrete way, the reason I attended Cottey and became a P.E.O.  Without Carol, my life would have turned out very differently, and I'll always be thankful for the lunches we shared together and her constant support and advice.  She will be missed.

Carol and I moved to Williamsburg within a year of each other and built our homes next door to each other.  From the moment Sid and I first met her and Carl,  we became fast friends and I have been privileged to treasure that  friendship for over 20 years.  I will miss her every day and will never see a bluebird fly by that will not remind me of her eternal optimism.  Such a joy she was to all who knew her.  Such a loss we all now share.

Mrs. Haines was my first grade teacher more than 40 years ago. I remember her warm, caring and infectious smile all these years later. I can't imagine a more supportive environment in such formative years and am forever grateful to have had her as a teacher. She set a high bar for my future teachers and my children's teacher. She will be warmly remembered.

So saddened by this news. This was a wonderful woman who spread love and kindness. She taught my two girls in first grade and they both remember her as one of their favorite teachers. One of them became a teacher herself with Carol in mind as her inspiration.  She knew what each of them needed to succeed and taught them accordingly. I also knew her as a co-worker when I worked Wyoming School so saw her from the inside. She was the best in all ways.

Carol Haines was what made Wyoming School a "neighborhood" school in every sense of the word. Not only did she herself radiate kindness and love to her young 1st and 2nd graders, but her classroom exuded that same warmth and provided a cocoon of safety and love, as well. She was joyful and above all else, dedicated to the well-being of her students.

We have not forgotten the hours she devoted, during summer break, to make sure that one of her students got the extra help needed to master the reading skills that eventually translated into a successful professional career.

Carol was one of those teachers you never forget despite the passage of many years. We hope that her family is heartened by the good she has left behind. It is considerable.

The Eisenbergers  

Carol was my first friend when I began teaching at Wyoming School.  She was always supportive and compassionate.   Our friendship continued outside of school , and I am blessed to have called her my closest friend for 40 years.  She was the embodiment of grace and kindness.  Carol had a way of making you feel special and appreciated.   I will miss her every day of my life, but I am grateful for the wonderful relationship that we shared.  My deepest sympathy goes out to her husband, Carl, her familly, and friends. The world was a better place for the love Carol gave to others.

Mrs. Haines was my 2nd grade teacher. She was incredibly kind. I remember being allowed to crawl under the desk with a partner to practice telling time. Mrs. Haines was the reason I became a teacher. I am in my eighteenth year teaching. She was an amazing soul and she touched my life. Sending love and support to her family and friends. 
Dawn

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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.

OBITUARY

Carol Matlack Haines

January 2, 1942 – November 2, 2018

Nelsen Williamsburg

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