Photo courtesy of Rigby Harting and Hagan Funeral Home - Media
What a beautiful tribute to a great lady! She will be missed. Sea Isle City holds so many fond memories of both your parents. Sending love, peace and prayers.
Karen Tyree
November 15, 2025 | Hobe Sound, FL | Friend
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of God, family and friends. Please find comfort in the words found at Isaiah 61:1,2.
DT
November 15, 2025
Carter L. Cairns 1928 -2025
Carter L. Cairns, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and artist, passed away peacefully. Born in 1928, Carter was the last of the three Lenham sisters and the cherished daughter of Theodore and Lenore.
Carter was married to the love of her life, Al Cairns, building a home full of warmth, kindness, and endless memories. As a devoted homemaker, she poured her heart into her family, creating a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished traditions. Family was the heart of her world, and nothing brought her more happiness than caring for and nurturing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She followed and cheered their every accomplishment. Carter's love and wisdom will continue to guide those she leaves behind.
A lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, Carter cheered on her team with unwavering loyalty. She was also an avid reader who passed her appreciation of literature to her children. Together, she and Al raised five children who were the center of her world: Lynn (Jack) Meyer, Craig Cairns, Theodore (Tamara) Cairns, Beth (Kent) Pauley, and Joseph (Leah) Cairns. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren Kelley (Marty) Mehan, Scott (Sheri) Moore, Nicole (Christy) Cairns, Bradley Cairns, Lauren (Mike) Zuzelski, Gwyn (Matt) Pauley, and Leah (Ryan) O'Malley and her great-grandchildren Carter and Lyla Zuzelski, Gavin Cairns, Connor Cairns, Marion Cairns, Miles O'Malley and Max Pauley, Francine Wiswall.
Carter and Al began a cherished family tradition of summer reunions in Sea Isle City, New Jersey a place Carter loved deeply. For over seven decades these reunions brought her family together in celebration of love, laughter, and legacy. From spirited body surfing contests and baseball games to golf tournaments and evening cocktail hours, these moments became a vibrant thread in the fabric of their family story. This year marks the 73rd reunion, which her family will hold in honor of her life at the place she loved most.
Carter had a brilliant mind and sharp wit. A masterful Bridge player and a self-declared Jeopardy! guru, she combined intellect with warmth and humor. She had a unique gift for making everyone around her feel seen, loved, and important. Her presence was magnetic and comforting, a true matriarch whose love and guidance shaped generations. A family graveside service is planned
She will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the hearts and stories of those she so lovingly nurtured.
A private celebration of Carter's life will be held by her family. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor her memory by embracing the arts, learning something new, or making someone feel truly special just as she always did.
Arr. Toppitzer Funeral Home. Online: www.Arlingtoncemetery.us
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