Mary Carolyn (Carithers) DeZwarte passed from kidney failure on Apr. 21, 2017, at State Street Assisted Living in Dover, her home for the past two and a half years.
Carolyn was born Apr. 8, 1922, in Elberton, Ga., to James P. Carithers and Myrtle Purcell Carithers. In 1945 she married LTJG Virgil L. DeZwarte in Athens, Ga.
A private memorial service will be held for family members when her ashes are interred at Quantico National Cemetery, Va., joining her husband of 43 years.
Carolyn was a leader in all areas of her life. She served as Assistant Director of Public Relations for Wesley College, Dover, from 1962 to 1966; and as Director of Rehabilitative Opportunities for Nursing Home & Homebound Residents, State of Delaware, 1967 to 1988. Through Catholic Charities, this program allowed her to create, establish and implement an activities program for all nursing homes in the State of DE, laying the ground work for requirements and changes statewide and nationally. She wrote a guide outlining the activities she used in her program which led to serving as Development Representative for Activity Coordinators' Curriculum in Long Term Health Care Facilities, 1977. She was Recipient of the Delaware Selection for Winthrop Rockefeller's National Rural Award, 1980, received the Project Independence Award, 1985, Washington D.C., and recognized for Distinguished Achievement by Catholic Social Services, Inc., 1987. In 1985 she was appointed by Governor Castle to the Advisory Council of Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill.
Her leadership was also reflected through memberships in community organizations throughout her life such as serving as President, American Legion Auxiliary 1952, Peru, Neb.; Worthy Matron, Eastern Star, Peru, Neb.; President, Faculty Women's Club, Nebraska State Teachers College, 1962 Peru, Neb.; and President, of Reserve Officers Association Ladies 1980 to 1981, Dover.
After retirement she was co-owner of Inn at Meeting House Square, Bed & Breakfast, Dover, 1988 to 1993. As an avid entertainer, she enjoyed her time as Innkeeper, serving up breakfast and sharing experiences of her travels to overnight guests. She also enjoyed volunteering through RSVP and as a Hostess for The Riverfront Arts Center, 1998 to 2000; she was an active member of MMC Singles Club, serving as President; and a proud member of ISOD (Irish Society of Delaware).
She loved music, dance (especially the jive and swing in her younger years) and horticulture, enjoyed arts and crafts, winning awards and ribbons for her submissions in Delaware State Fairs in charcoal drawing, oil and water color painting, ceramics, and floral arrangements. Over her lifetime she visited all 50 states and 35 foreign countries. In her later life, she crossed the Equator and the International Date Line and at the ages of 77 and 78, she experienced a sunrise flight in a hot air balloon and a dune buggy ride on the Oregon Dunes.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband, Virgil in 1988; father in 1942; brother in 1944; and mother in 1976.
She is survived by daughters, Muriel Comolli, of Florida and Cheryl (Sherry) DeZwarte, Dover; one grandson; granddaughters, Katrina Fontenla, of Virginia and Kathryn Comolli, of Georgia; and great-granddaughter, Anna Beatrix Fontenla, of Virginia, her joy for the past six years.
She led a full life and she will be missed.
The family wants to acknowledge and thank both the staff of State Street Assisted Living and Seasons Hospice for their care and understanding provided to both Carolyn and family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Seasons Hospice; http://seasonsfoundation.org/donate. For online condolences please visit www.torbertfuneral.com