Carole Ann McGaff "Aunt Carole" Mathewson

Carole always encouraged us to go on significant journeys of adventure and discovery. She was "proud" of us, like the mom figure she was in our lives. Thanks to Christopher, Lucinda, and Jennifer for generously sharing thier mom (& dad!) with us!

-Kyle & Beth

Carole Mathewson was a BPC Youth Group Leader along with her husband, Christi and another couple when I first
met her and one special lady. Years later while still at BPC, I remember her hard work and enthusiasm for heading Summer's Best Two Weeks day Camp . Carole and Christi had such a heart for youth and young in heart for Jesus! Long after leaving Brighton Presbyterian Church, I continued to hear of Carole and Christi's love for and dedication to reaching many of Rochester's youth...

I have just relocated to Berlin, Germany. I remember vividly my conversation with Aunt Carole about the importance of this step for me in my life. Aunt, Carole, I am doing it! Im so excited, and so grateful for your abundant love and friendship. Alessandra

This year I missed Carole deeply at my wedding, but man did I feel her there. I think she'd be happy to know that I finally brought myself to start using the Bible that was my graduation gift regularly. I've also thought of her to-the-point relationship advice often during my first year of marriage :) Somehow, she's still influencing my life 4 years later--what a comfort and a blessing!

What a special mom-ish-ness Carole brought to my life, filling gaps, making memories. I miss that ability to consult her. I often say "If only I could ask Carole!" but her words often echo in my head like mom-ish advice - the best kind of course, and I am grateful to have had that wisdom impact my life for as long as it did. Carole - I wish you could have lived forever, and I'm so glad that you are!

Now it's been 2 years, and our lives, although not quite the same since Carole passed away, were also so enriched with the years of knowing such a special person. Thank you, God. We miss you, Carole!

It's hard to express in words how much I miss my sister. she had such a loving and positive effect on my life as she did with so many others. Her love continues to flourish through her children. Love you and miss you Sue

Carole had a real gift of encouragement and was a terrific counselor. I always felt I could tell her what was going on with difficult relationships with my family, friends, co-workers, etc. She never missed an opportunity to listen, and she always had some good advice. (Christy usually had some note of humor to add to Carole’s practical counseling! It always put us at ease!)

I remember one time when Carole explained to me that they give gifts when it’s the right time. Sometimes...

I have tons of memories with Carole but the one that means the most to me.. When i fell of the roof in WeVa and had to spend the nite in the hospital Carole very easily could have left me there by myself but instead she spent the nyt on the floor next to my bed just to comfort me( I was scared bein that far from home in the hospital) and also to make sure i was medically taken care of I have never forgotten that all these years later24 years later Thank you Carole!!!