Carol F. Dare

Carol Frances Dare (nee Willard), age 84 years, of Upper Pittsgrove Township, NJ passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 30, 2026, surrounded by love and her family. She was born in Philadelphia to the late James B. Willard and Margarett J. Willard (nee Heins) on July 6, 1941. At the age of 12 she moved from Philadelphia to Maple Shade, NJ and attended school there until she married in 1959.

During Carol's early years she was the caretaker of her 3 younger siblings, and worked at the 5&10 in Clementon and went to school. It was at the 5&10 where she would meet Alvin, who, as the story is told, asked her if she carried "mechanical pencils". Their courtship was short and love was deep; they married the next year.

Carol & Alvin built their home in Hurffville and stayed for over 40 years. Carol took on the role of homemaker: raising their 2 children, volunteering at school, taking care of her In-Laws, and helping Alvin run his businesses. When their children were grown she worked part-time for a bank, then Lechters Housewares store for 11 years.

Carol was devoted to her family and measured her life's success by theirs. She enjoyed cooking family dinners for all holidays, attending ceramic classes, taking cake decorating classes, & playing pinocle on Saturday nights. Carol had a great passion for sewing. She made everything from daily clothing to wedding gowns to sofa cushions. There was always a dog, fish, turtle, or gerbil in the house. She had a soft heart for all animals and would always worry about the birds, squirrels, & stray cats outside.

Carol and Alvin travelled with a pick-up camper to many places such as the Outer Banks, Maine, Niagara Falls, Alaska and Virginia. Their travels allowed them to connect with many people, some of whom would become lifelong friends.

When Carol became a "Nana" she truly lit up. She always said "kids are special, but grandkids are really special." She was known as the "baby whisperer". She would sing and rock a baby to sleep and hold it in her arms for hours. She completely adored, and was adored by her grandchildren.

Carol was the heart of her family-the steadfast confidant, a quiet voice of reason, a gentle guiding light. She had a rare sensitivity to the people she loved, knowing when to speak and when to simply listen. Time spent in her home always ended the same way: with a full belly and a settled heart.

Carol is survived by her son Alvin D. Dare (Diane); her daughter Debbie A. Duffield (Roy); her adored grandchildren; George A. Duffield (Kristin), Emily J. Carll (Luke), Megan N. Dare (Zhaonan Qu), Ross M. Dare (Alyson Paneque), Dallas M. Duffield (Jessica L. Paulding), and Harry L. Duffield (Rachel Lipscomb); and her great grandchildren Julia, Lincoln, Jack and Ari. Carol is also survived by her sister-in-law, Dorothy Dare, niece and 3 nephews. She is preceded in death by her adoring husband, Alvin W. Dare and brother-in-law, Robert D. Dare.

The celebration of Carol's life will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Adams Funeral Home, 111 S. Main Street, Elmer, NJ 08318. There will be a visitation beginning at 10 AM leading to the memorial service at 11 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to SPCA or your local animal shelter.

Please share condolences at www.adamsfuneralhome.org.