Carolyn Helen Augustine

She was preceded in death by her dear husband of 72 years, Joseph F. Augustine; her daughter, Lisa Ann Augustine; her granddaughter, Rachel Reedy Augustine; her sister, Betty Ann Runnion; and her brothers, Edwin C. Bishop, Charles Eugene Bishop, Tedd L. Bishop, Jack R. Bishop, and Edwin C. Bishop.

She is survived by her son, Joseph F. Augustine III (wife, Teresa); her granddaughter, Lindsay Wiesenmayer (husband, Andrew); her step-grandchildren, Michael Kulikowski (wife, Allison), Christine Story (husband, Justin), and Peter Onidi; her great-grandchildren, Emily Kulikowski, Abigail Kulikowski, Daisy Wiesenmayer, and Jameson Story; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A proud Tar Heel, Carolyn treasured her time at the University of North Carolina, especially the day she met a handsome football player named Joe Augustine, who would become the love of her life. Together, they built a beautiful, joyful life full of devotion, laughter, and adventure.

Carolyn lived a life rich in service, creativity, and community. She generously gave her time and talents across countless organizations. She was deeply involved in both the Cape Fear and North Carolina State Garden Clubs, and served on numerous boards throughout her life, including the NC Symphony, the New Hanover Arboretum Foundation, the Chapel Hill Recreation Commission, and the UNCW School of Nursing Advisory Board. She was also active in women’s groups at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and served as past president of both NC Sorosis and her local P.E.O. chapter.

Some of her most cherished contributions included her role as parliamentarian for the North Carolina State Garden Club, mentoring several Cape Fear Garden Club presidents, teaching Sunday School in Chapel Hill, and working with both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She also played an instrumental role in the creation of the entrance gate house at the New Hanover County Arboretum, a place that remained dear to her heart.

Alongside Joe, Carolyn traveled the world with love, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit. Together, they visited all 50 U.S. states and most national parks, as well as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Japan, Guam, England, France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

Carolyn’s many passions included painting, knitting, cross-stitch, needlepoint, and flower arranging. These were each creative outlets that reflected her attention to beauty and detail in all areas of life.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on September 6 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Carolyn’s honor to the Friends of the New Hanover County Arboretum.