Our precious Carol passed away Aug. 21, 2024. She left us calmly, peacefully and comfortably while at home with her family at her side. She would have been 87 on Aug. 27, 2024.
If you ever met Carol, you’ll remember she always had a smile on her face and a laugh in her voice. She was easy to talk to, fun to be near, and the first to laugh at herself.
She was an iconic retiree of the Hartford Public Schools cafeterias, with over 20 years of service. Every kid knew her, but more importantly, she knew each and every kid. Her door was open to all; if you did not have a place to call home, you had a home with Carol. She carried that love for the children of Hartford on to every sporting event, band concert, and school play where she could be found in attendance. She was the one cheering for your child’s success even after her own children had graduated.
Trying to describe Carol in words is like trying to capture lightning in a bottle. She was a complex, but not complicated person. Family and friends will remember her delicious, comforting cooking. She was quick to recommend a new book and discuss her latest favorites. In the evenings, she would work on crossword puzzles and Sodoku while watching her Tigers or Red Wings. Carol was always ready for adventure, traveling all around the country by train, plane, or automobile with her husband and her kids.
As a wife, mother and grandmother, sister and friend, Carol was ever present when you needed that special someone to give you a hug and the wisest advice you would find anywhere.
Carol is survived by her children, Kenneth Woodward and Susan (Steven) Stenberg, daughter-in-law Theresa Woodward, grandchildren Holly the English Shepherd, Phillip (Ashley) Woodward, Bethany (Doug) Bivens, and Jayme Woodward, and great-grandchildren Lacy, Kay, Abigail, Harrison, Evelyn, and Amelia. Additionally, she is survived by her brother Jerry Root and sisters-in-law Judy and Celia, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son and glue-of-the-family Michael Woodward, husband Donald Woodward, granddaughter Brooke, and siblings Betty, Don, Verda, Dick, Bobbi, Delia, and Duane.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Carol’s name to her beloved Hartford Foundation or to Caring Circle Hospice. And, as Carol would say, “See you at the dinner table!”
A private graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hartford. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.
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