Carolyn R. Cartland Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Carolyn Ruth Cartland passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 with her family by her side. Beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, colleague, and neighbor, Carolyn inspired every person who crossed her path. With her sharp wit, fierce independence, unbelievable courage, overwhelming generosity, and immense heart, Carolyn embraced a life full of joy, laughter, spirit, and love. Whether hosting dinners at her home, spending time with friends and family at her beloved Hatchet's Point, or being involved with her church community, Carolyn welcomed all into her world and her life. Born on December 13, 1951 in Hartford, CT, Carolyn was the only daughter of the late Dr. John E. Cartland, Jr. and Klazina (Kuiken) Cartland. Carolyn grew up in West Hartford, attended the local schools there and graduated with distinction from Conard High School, Class of 1970. She continued her formal education by earning a Bachelor's degree in 1974 at Trinity College in Hartford. Carolyn was employed by Cigna in Bloomfield for many years, where she rose to the position of AVP. It was during those years that she also earned a MBA at the University of Hartford. Later, Carolyn decided to redirect her career to a new, more meaningful area; that of social work. She left Cigna, returned to the University of Hartford, earned a Master's in Social Work and then went to work for the CT Children's Medical Center in Hartford as a highly dedicated social worker, retiring in 2000. Loving life and all that it offered, Carolyn was a devoted and hardworking member of the Unitarian Meeting House, where she was on their board. She also cherished her role as a successful champion for the disabled on the local, state and national levels; work that was of vital importance to her. For many years, Carolyn was a regular attendee at the Hartford Stage Company and was also a passionate, lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox. For certain she loved that team and through the years attended many of their home games at Fenway Park. Carolyn leaves her brother, Richard E. Cartland and his wife Elaine of West Hartford, and sister-in-law Lucy Cartland, also of West Hartford. Carolyn was pre-deceased by two of her brothers, John E. Cartland III and Charles E. Cartland. Carolyn will also be greatly missed by her beloved nieces, nephews, great-nephew and great-nieces who always knew that Carolyn was the "cool aunt": Kathryn (Cartland) Anderson, her husband Kenneth R. Anderson and great-nephew Holden E. Anderson of Windham, ME; Elizabeth Cartland of South Portland, ME; Christopher J. Cartland, his wife Jennifer A. Cartland and great-nieces Alexandra and Addison of West Simsbury, CT; and Timothy P. Cartland and his wife Rory D. Cartland of Quincy, MA. In addition to her family, Carolyn leaves behind an expansive community of loved ones and dear friends into whose lives she brought laughter and inspiration. Carolyn's family wishes to invite her dear friends and loved ones to join them for a memorial service celebrating her extraordinary life on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016, at 11A.M. at the Unitarian Meeting House, 50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT. There will be a reception following the service in the Fellowship Hall. Molloy Funeral Home of West Hartford is in charge of arrangements.

Carolyn R. Cartland

December 13, 1951 - August 31, 2016