Carol Carlton

Carol T. Carlton, 91, of Yarmouth, ME, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 18th at Bay Square at Yarmouth following a recent decline in health. Carol had an infectious smile, a quick wit and a great love of life and adventure. She was born February 5, 1932, in Oak Park, IL, the daughter of Charles E. and Myra Dorfeld Trimmer. She grew up in Elmhurst, IL and later the family moved to Lakeland, FL. Carol graduated from Lakeland High School where she was a talented and popular student. After High School, Carol attended Florida State University, graduating in 1954. During her time at FSU, Carol was a member of the Lutheran Student’s League, the FSU Choral Union and served as President of the Delta Zeta Sorority. Carol later went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Education.

After College, Carol began working as an elementary school teacher – a career that would take her to Kaiserslautern, Germany where she worked for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools educating children of the United States Military. Carol developed many close friendships during her time in Germany, which lasted throughout her lifetime. School breaks presented an opportunity for Carol and her group of intrepid friends to travel extensively throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, Northern Africa and the Far East. Carol recounted many favorite destinations that included vineyards in the Alsace region of France, London, England, and ski trips to the mountains of Austria. During the summer break, Carol rarely missed an opportunity to return to the states to visit with her best friends, Joyce and John Gilman in Lakeland, Florida. Later, she would travel to Michigan to spend time on Torch Lake with her cousins at their family cottage.

Carol retired in 2000 after a career that spanned over three decades. She returned stateside and moved to Yarmouth, Maine in 2001 where she purchased her first home! In Maine, Carol spent countless fun times with her cousin Joan Preece, enjoying holidays with Joan, her husband, Dean and their extended family. With a lifelong love of music and singing, Carol quickly joined the Portland Community Chorus, where she made many new friends. Carol was thrilled to take part in the production of “The Magic of Christmas” for several years, singing with the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Participating in social activities was at the heart of Carol’s life in Maine. She became a member of Emmaus Lutheran Church in Falmouth, where she sang in the choir for many years. She joined the Newcomer’s Club, played Bridge every week, held an annual cookie exchange, and welcomed friends from far and wide to her home in Yarmouth.

Carol was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Myra Trimmer, step-sister Evelyn Shackleford, step-brother Mike Brown, nephew Michael May, cousin Lynn Collins and cousin Thomas Preece. She is survived by step-sister Janice May, nephew James May, cousins Joan Preece, with whom she was especially close, Janine Preece Mclain, Leslee Preece, Molly Preece Mercure, Kathy Collins Babb, Todd Collins and Nancy Collins Saldi. Carol never had children of her own, but she had a special relationship with Pam Gilman Tuner, whom she said was like a daughter to her. She was extremely close with her friend Andre’ Landry and his wife, Kathryn Dobrowolski, who were like family to her. Carol touched the lives of many, many dear friends and she leaves behind a legacy of joy, laughter and countless fond memories.

A service celebrating Carol’s life will be held at Emmaus Lutheran Church, 265 Middle Road, Falmouth on Friday, June 30th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Susan G. Komen Foundation, Emmaus Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LindquistFuneralHome.com for the Carlton family.