Carol J. Goldstein

1949 - 2015

Carol Janet Goldstein, age 65, of West Hartford died on January 31 at her home in West Hartford. Her death was a surprise to all of us (particularly Carol) since she had not yet clipped a discount coupon (or Groupon) from a local funeral home. Born in Mahopac, NY on June 27, 1949, Carol was the daughter of the late William and Frances Teicholz of Danbury, CT. She was a 30 year resident of West Hartford. Carol loved young children, both having them and teaching them, and her life reflected this love. She earned her B.S. degree in Child Development from the University of Connecticut in 1971, an M.S. degree in Elementary Education from ECSU in 1983, an M.S. degree in Human Relations and Communications from ECSU in 1985, and her certification in ESOL from CCSU. Despite wanting a daughter, Carol bore four sons and had to settle, at least temporarily, for a string of female dachshunds. She later was blessed with 4 grandchildren, three girls and a boy, and has been conscientiously spoiling them ever since to make up for lost time. While awaiting their arrival, Carol taught in the West Hartford Public Schools as an ESOL tutor for 20 years, affectionately called "Mrs. G." She loved giving her students stickers, pencils and erasers for each small accomplishment. Beyond her love for kids, Carol had several other passions. She loved to read, particularly while sitting on the beach in Maine; she loved various arts and crafts and was constantly making small items for her friends and family; and she loved to shop. Carol was the consummate coupon clipper and had discounts for just about everything. She was particularly fond of L.L. Bean clothing and purchased enough sale items from them that, upon hearing of her death, Bean's was forced to file for bankruptcy, along with BigY Supermarket and Ocean State Job Lot. Carol loved making new friends, and if you were a friend of Carol's, you were a friend for life. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of many. Carol is survived by her husband of 30 years, Marc B. Goldstein; her son Michael and his wife April Colson of Littleton, MA; her son Mark and his wife Julia Colson of West Hartford; her son Adam of West Hartford; and her son Scott of Boone, NC. She was blessed with 4 beautiful grandchildren, Madeline, Andrew, Samantha and Anna. She is also survived by her sister Judy Bigelow of West Hartford and her brother Lee and his wife Mary Teicholz of Danbury. The funeral will be held at Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT at 1 pm on Wednesday, February 4 with private burial at the Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford. Memorial donations may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, 7 Mill Brook Road, Wilton, NH 03086-0921 or Gifts of Music, 28 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107.