In Memoriam: Longtime Little Silver Resident, Carolyn McMullin, 88

Longtime Little Silver resident, Carolyn Elizabeth McTague McMullin, died peacefully at home on July 31, surrounded by her adoring family, including her four daughters, two sisters and grandchildren. She was 88.

Born in Jersey City in 1937 to Dr. Robert and Edna (Larsen) McTague, Carolyn grew up in Atlantic Highlands. Her father was the town’s doctor and mayor, while her mother taught in the local schools and served as president of the Atlantic Highlands Board of Education.

“Carolyn was a tomboy and a rebel, and with her best friends Judy Phipps (Curry) and Gail Page (Simpson), she grew up roller-skating, playing basketball, and getting lost in the woods. A natural beauty, Carolyn marched to her own beat: she rarely wore makeup or jewelry, eschewed alcohol and coffee and was a founding subscriber to Ms. Magazine.

“She worked for social justice throughout her life — from marching for civil rights in the1950s to building affordable housing in Monmouth County through her retirement years. Her hero was President Jimmy Carter who dedicated his life to working for peace and humanitarian causes …

“Carolyn’s greatest passion and energy were reserved for her family. She raised four adventuresome daughters in Little Silver, cheering them on as they built careers and families and travelled the world.

“Carolyn attended the births of each of her eight beloved grandchildren and was a steadfast presence at birthdays and holidays. She never hesitated to get down on the floor to play games or read to her grandkids, delighting in their accomplishments big and small. Her Christmas packages were highly anticipated: each filled with thoughtful presents wrapped with re-re-recycled paper and bows and accompanied by funny and loving notes.

“While Carolyn enjoyed time with her children and grandchildren wherever they were, she remained happily ensconced in her home in Little Silver for 54 years. She particularly cherished her wonderful and caring neighbors.”
Loved ones of Carolyn McMullin in her obituary

Carolyn’s upbringing in a family devoted to public service shaped how she would live her own life. After graduating from Douglass College in 1959, Carolyn became a public-school teacher. She spent most of her forty-plus-year career teaching special education in the same schools she attended in Atlantic Highlands and Highlands, NJ.

“Generations of students appreciated her kind, empathic nature, many staying in touch with her for years after she taught them. Carolyn referred to her students as ‘my kids,’ which could drive her own children crazy but truly reflected her feelings for those she taught. She lovingly displayed their handmade gifts and notes around her home.”

After retiring from teaching, Carolyn joined the Monmouth County chapter of Habitat for Humanity, serving on its board of trustees and enjoying the hands-on work required to further its mission. Highlights of her years at Habitat included working alongside Jimmy and Roslyn Carter to rebuild homes in Union Beach after Hurricane Sandy. She continued the same work in New Orleans for several years after Hurricane Katrina. Carolyn also found time to work the polls in Little Silver for many years, helping neighbors and friends exercise this most important civic duty.

Carolyn will forever be treasured by her family: daughters, Betsy, of San Francisco, CA, Catherine (Paul), of Olympia, WA, Jeanne (Henry), of West Cornwall, CT and Laura (Afshin), of West Cornwall, CT; her sisters, Roberta Thomas (Travis, deceased) of Nottingham, NH, and Regina Maynes (Kevin), of Rumson; her grandchildren, Kyle and Phoebe Leftridge, Maya and Jan Pell, Eve, Pia and Sylvie Labalme, and Cyrus Taber. She will also be lovingly remembered by her close friend of many years, Tom Walker (Middletown, NJ).

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Aug. 10, from 3 to 6 p.m., with words of remembrance shared at 5:30, at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701. Carolyn will be buried alongside her father later this year.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Monmouth County chapter of Habitat for Humanity in Carolyn’s memory: https://monmouthhabitat.charityproud.org/give

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home