Carol Coughlin

Carol Coughlin

May 22, 2025

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Carol Coughlin a devoted mother, daughter, and friend, died peacefully at home on at the age of 85.

Born to Rose and Benjamin Webber, Carol grew up in Hartford, Connecticut, where she helped in the family business, Webber's Garage. She often recalled her upbringing in Hartford's North End and the community around the shop with clarity and fondness as well at the antics of extended relations in the Providence, Rhode Island area.

A graduate of Mount St. Joseph's High School in West Hartford, she went on to earn a degree in History from the University of Hartford, an accomplishment that reflected her determination and intellectual curiosity at a time when few women pursued higher education.

Throughout her life, Carol took on a wide range of professional roles, from retail marketing to real estate. While raising her two children remained her priority, she worked in many capacities, always balancing family needs with her own ambitions and interests.

She was predeceased by her second husband, John Coughlin. Together, they shared a love for travel and spent many years active in the Family Motor Coach Association, often organizing meetups and events for other RV enthusiasts. Although not a natural sailor, Carol spent many weekends aboard their boat out of Avondale, Rhode Island, supporting John's love of the ocean despite her tendency toward seasickness.

In her later years, she moved to Hilton Head, where she was an active and appreciated member of her senior living community and maintained close relationships with immediate and extended family, as well as an ever-growing network of friends.

She is survived by her two children, Beth Coughlin and Craig Rifkin, who remember her for her resilience, sharp humor, and knowing her own mind in every instance.

Known for her strong opinions and even stronger sense of style, Carol had an eye for detail and a talent for helping others present themselves with confidence, through nearly magical consignment store shopping.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 30 at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT 06119. The service will be streamed live for those out of town. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford in her memory.

At some future date and time to be determined, a Celebration of Life will occur as well at her active senior living community on Hilton Head Island. Please visit molloyfuneralhome.com to leave an online expression of sympathy and to view a livestream of the memorial service.