Carolyn Nadine Langholz

LANGHOLZ, Carolyn Nadine (affectionately known as "Auntie Carolyn" by her adoring niece and nephews) as well as her countless Facebook followers (naming her as their honorary Auntie). Born on July 21, 1933, in Clinton, Iowa. Passed peacefully in her sleep on April 23, 2023, at her home on the Mattaponi River in Walkerton, Virginia.

Carolyn was a decorated 20-year Veteran of the U.S. Navy. She served as an award-winning journalist for Stars & Stripes. Among her many works was coverage of the groundbreaking and construction of the Twin Towers; The disaster of the Navy submarine Thresher; and during Cat5 hurricane Camille she rode in a tank and participated in the rescue mission.

Carolyn retired from active duty in 1974, joining her Navy shipmate and best friend Grace Randazzo in retirement. They bought a fishing cottage together in Walkerton. The two of them have thrown more fish back than most people will ever catch. Over the years, there were many fish fries and crab boils at the cottage. Scrabble was played by candlelight during thunderstorms on their screened in porch. The duo made an annual pilgrimage to Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. They spent a month there fishing every year, complete with cats and a parrot in their condo. When Carolyn became disabled, she said she was sad that she could never travel again.

- Never say never -

In 2015, she took a road trip covering the entire lower 48 states in 107 days. She stood from her wheelchair at the footprint of the Twin Towers Memorial, ate lobster in Maine, Rode the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls, attended a family reunion in Iowa, Rode Splash Mountain at Disneyland, surveyed the awesome Grand Canyon, went deep under into Carlsbad Caverns, saw the Christmas lights at Dollywood. She visited relatives and old friends. Even kissed a former boyfriend and made many new friends. When asked if she was enjoying her trip, she said with a grin, "Somebody's gotta change the tires." The chaplain from hospice said, " I don't think Heaven would be Heaven if they don't have fishing there." He says that he would bet Carolyn has a big smile on her face as she makes her first cast.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Arthur & Amanda Langholz; her brother, Norman Langholz; her best friend, Grace Randazzo, her beloved parrot Polly; and many kitties. She is survived by sister, Charlene Morehead; nephews, Michael McCormick, and David & Paul Langholz; niece, Bonnie Beal; ten grandnephews and nieces; and three great-grandnephews and nieces. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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