Carolyn Stein McCallum

Carolyn Eaton Stein McCallum, 95, of Avon, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter and son in law on January 16, 2026. A resident of South Brunswick, New Jersey for more than 60 years, Carolyn was born in State College, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Russell F. Stein and Edith Irwin Stein. She was preceded in death by her siblings Nancy, Russell, Patricia (Knox), and Robert; her stepmothers Frances and Olive; her husband of 56 years, William Lachlan McCallum; and her son, James Dow McCallum II.

Carolyn is remembered for her warmth, integrity, infectious smile, sincere interest in others and lifelong commitment to public service. A natural leader with a talent for building consensus, she dedicated more than seven decades to community involvement, advocacy, and volunteer work that impacted lives locally, nationally, and globally.

Raised in Niles, Ohio, where her family resettled after the early loss of her eldest sister, mother and maternal grandmother, Carolyn embraced what she called "Midwestern values"—a belief in fairness, in the inherent dignity and equality of each human being, and the responsibility to leave the world better than she found it. She joined the Girl Scouts at a young age, beginning what would become a lifelong devotion to empowering young people, especially girls and young women, and graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1952.

After moving to South Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1958, Carolyn quickly became active in the growing community. She served on the South Brunswick Board of Education from 1962 to 1969, including two years as its first female president. Her leadership helped advance school construction, increase teacher salaries, expand special education and enrichment programs, and strengthen support for migrant and disadvantaged youth and their families.

Carolyn continued to serve her community as a member of the South Brunswick Township Committee for over seven years, becoming the town's first female mayor in 1978. She was once again appointed as mayor in 1983. Her tenure was marked by economic growth, tax reductions, and significant progress on environmental and infrastructure challenges, including the creation of Pigeon Swamp State Park and resolution of water resource concerns. One of her happiest mayoral duties was officiating weddings for local couples.

A self-described "professional volunteer," Carolyn held leadership roles across countless civic and county organizations, including the Middlesex County Economic Opportunities Corporation, the Middlesex County Transportation Coordinating Committee, Central New Jersey United Way, senior housing boards, the Boy Scouts of America, and the 4-H Leaders' Association. South Brunswick residents fondly remember the Teen Festivals she organized in Kingsley Park during the 1970s.

Her passion for Girl Scouting remained constant throughout her life. She served more than 20 years on the board of the Delaware Raritan Girl Scout Council, including five years as president. She championed diversity and access, helping expand outreach to underserved communities and increase council membership. Her leadership had a global impact when she was appointed to the board of directors for the World Foundation for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. She remained on the board for over 30 years, serving in a variety of executive positions, including as president, and contributed to a broad range of global initiatives supporting such things as gender equity, positive body image, safety, and empowerment.

In 1982, Carolyn began a distinguished career with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, serving in senior leadership roles including Legislative Liaison, Director of Policy Analysis and Governmental Affairs, and Acting Director of Civil Rights/Contract Compliance. She earned bipartisan respect for her fairness, insight, and unwavering advocacy for expanding opportunities for women and minorities in transportation contracting.

Carolyn received numerous honors for her service, including the South Brunswick Jaycees "Outstanding Citizen" Award, the Raritan Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Award, and recognition during New Jersey's first statewide celebration of National Women's History Month. Both the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly issued resolutions in 1990 acknowledging her distinguished record of public service, leadership and achievement. She also received the Girl Scouts' highest adult honor, the Thanks Badge, and in 2004 was named an Honorary Associate of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Carolyn's life was defined by service, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the potential of every person. Her legacy continues through the communities she strengthened and the countless individuals she inspired.

Carolyn found her greatest joy in her family and the time she spent with them. She is survived by her son, William H. McCallum and his wife Karen; daughter, Nancy McCallum Kostal and her husband John; and daughter-in-law, Myounghee Choi; as well as by her beloved grandchildren Kristin McCallum Williams and her husband Tyler; George L. Kostal; Captain John A. Kostal, Jr. (USAF) and his wife Megan; Sergeant William J. Kostal (USMC) and his wife Lexi; and James, William and Russell McCallum; her precious great-granddaughter, Sophi Jo Kostal, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey over the summer.

Donations in Carolyn's memory may be made to the World Foundation for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, Inc., 420 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018 2798, or online at www.worldfoundationgggs.org. The foundation's mission "is to support projects and programs undertaken by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts of the USA to enable girls and young women to develop their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world."