Gudi Margaret Carroll

It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Gudi Margaret Carroll, an unassuming woman with an extraordinary life. Gudi, of Williamsburg, was 80 when she died Aug. 22, 2025. She is survived by her daughter, Tina, sisters, Barbara Sommer & Monika Goedde, bothers, Alexander & Mirko Baschek, & their children.

Gudi was born in post-war Germany, in the picturesque town of Berchtesgaden. She spent her youth helping run the family flower shop. She studied floral artistry and design in her teens. In her twenties, Gudi met U. S. serviceman, Noel Carroll, while he was on tour in her hometown in Bavaria. He entered the family flower shop while Gudi was working, and sparks flew. When Noel's tour ended, Gudi used her floral arranging skills to obtain a work visa with Chambers Flower Center in Washington DC. She emigrated to America, continued to date Noel and eventually became a U.S. Citizen.

When Noel & Gudi married, Noel was assigned a two-year tour in Thailand. Gudi said it felt like a "long honeymoon". In Thailand she conceived her only child, Tina. After a few more tours and international travel, the couple returned to the United States. Here, Gudi joined her husband in employment with the U.S. Department of Defense. She thrived as an instructor and helping trainees navigate challenges associated with assignments abroad. It was a career path Gudi had a fondness and patriotism for, and she steadily moved through the ranks. Her work with the DOD extended more than 20 years.

Upon retirement, Gudi established herself as a neighborhood caregiver and friend who could be counted on. She was beloved by many, along with their pets. She loved animals and nature. Gudi's passion for flowers and gardening never extinguished. In 2019, Gudi and her daughter Tina started building a regenerative farm in the U.S. Virgin Islands on the island of St Croix. She was there at the time of her passing. The day before she left her earthly body, Gudi, Tina and her son-in-law, Sean Moon, went for a swim in the Caribbean Sea. As Gudi lay floating in the aquamarine waters, she told Sean and Tina "It feels like heaven."

The family is holding a memorial brunch and reception for friends, neighbors and colleagues at the family home, 183 Dennis Drive in Williamsburg Saturday, Sept. 6 from 11-1pm with a commemoration at noon. The final private memorial will be held in Berchtesgaden with family.