Muriel Anna Carolfi

Muriel, “Merle” to her siblings and parents, was born June 25, 1950. Her family moved from Philadelphia to Stratford and then Franklinville, NJ, where she developed a life-long love of nature, animals, & books. She graduated from Delsea Regional High School in 1968. She majored in Fine Arts at Rutgers University. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Her love was both infinite and complete. She was a sculptor, painter, photographer, writer, and singer. She sold fine jewelry, flowers, and art. In Collingswood, she worked as a framer for Arts Plus and managed the offices of Carolfi Studios, Inc. She was a voracious reader and a lovely gardener. She enjoyed travel, especially to bodies of water. She drew strength from the ocean. She was courageous. When she was a small child, she embarked on great journeys alone in the woods surrounding her home. She later learned that her daddy had quietly commanded the family dogs to accompany her. “Go and watch the baby,” he would say. At age 7, she fearlessly explored the forest, unaware that she was under the protection of Princey, Jaunta, and Wolfcub. She developed an adventurous spirit, a deep respect for animals and nature, a healthy appreciation of her own company, and an eye for truth and beauty.

Muriel was predeceased by her father Elmer “Duke” Macool; her mother Isabelle Macool nee Donnelly; her stepmother Louise Macool nee Striano; her parents-in-law Pietro and Natalie (nee Allegrini) Carolfi; her siblings Mary Ann McCart nee Macool and James Macool; her daughter-in-law Andrea Carolfi nee Morrell; her nephews William and Michael Humes; her brother-in-law John McCart; and many adored animal companions, including Princey, Jaunta, & Wolfcub.

Muriel is survived by Joseph Carolfi, her husband of over 51 years; her 3 children Pietro “Peter,” Angela, and Joseph “Joey,” Carolfi; and her son-in-law Douglas Slack. When Muriel was asked what she wanted to be called by her grandchildren, she responded promptly, “Nonna,” then she squared her shoulders, pumped her fists a little, and added, with triumph, “I earned it.” Nonna is survived by her 5 grandchildren: Isabella & Rosemary Slack, Natalie, Joseph “Joey,” & Nathaniel “Nate” Carolfi. She is also survived by siblings William Macool; Helen Wilson nee Macool; Michael Macool, Isabelle Macool; and siblings-in-law Marie Macool nee Baumgart; Mary Macool; Regina Macool nee Capelli; Maria (nee Carolfi) & Michael O'Donnell; Francis & Lorraine (nee Tolvaisa) Carolfi; Angelo & Anne (nee Piecyk) Carolfi; Emilia Carolfi & Thomas Mihalek; and Claire (nee Carolfi) & Michael Locantore. She is survived by her Godchildren Theresa Stefanowicz nee Daly and Anna McCart; by more than sixty nieces & nephews; by hundreds of cousins; and by her two beloved cats, Felicity and Francine.

There will be a viewing on Thursday, July 8th, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Blake-Doyle Funeral Home, 226 West Collings Ave. Collingswood, NJ 08108.

A farewell service will be held on Friday, July 9th, at 10:00 A.M. in the Chapel of Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleum, 2398 Route 70 West, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. After friends and family depart, the closed casket will be entombed in Crypt number 220, located in Tier D of Corridor 9B in Calvary Mausoleum.