Carol Enders

Carol Ann (Kennedy) Enders, 78, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, in Penhook, Virginia.  

Born on April 1, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Carol was the daughter of Gerald and Shirley (Obermeier) Kennedy. She grew up in a large and loving family alongside her siblings Mike, Tim, Marie, Pat, Ruth, Jim, and Teresa.  

Carol pursued her education at Foothill Junior College, where she earned an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies. It was there she met the love of her life, Charles H. Enders Jr., in a class called Business Machines. Their courtship was filled with adventure—Chuck would pick her up for dates in the school bus he drove, and together they became a winning Road Rally team, with Carol navigating and Chuck behind the wheel. They married on August 26, 1967, beginning a lifelong journey of love and partnership. 

Carol worked as an accountant but found her greatest joy in family and adventure. In 1976, she and Chuck moved to Guam with their children, embracing island life and developing a deep love for the water. An avid sailor, Carol’s adventurous spirit led her to one of her greatest accomplishments—sailing across the Pacific Ocean with crew aboard their boat, Solace (a Pacific 38’), in 1986. They island-hopped all the way from Guam to San Francisco, creating memories that would last a lifetime. 

Carol was known for her quiet strength, loyalty, artistic nature, and undeniable bravery. She carried herself with grace and class while maintaining an independent spirit that inspired those around her. 

She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Chuck; their children Craig Enders (Kate Elliott) and Cristin Perry (Brian); siblings Timothy, Marie Walker (Ray), Patrick (Anna), Ruth Hills (Paul), James (Janile), and Teresa; grandchildren Corryn Hafner, Hannah Bigham (Kody), Cassidy Enders, Kendal Enders, Zachary Perry, and Cora Perry; and great-grandchildren Mila, Giorgi, Bodhi, and Bennett. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Michael Kennedy; and her granddaughter Halie Elliott. 

A viewing will be held on March 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Resurrection Catholic Church's temporary location at Trinity Ecumenical Parish 40 Lakemont Dr., Moneta, Virginia. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location. A reception will be held immediately after the mass in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Carol’s name to the charity of your choice.

Carol’s legacy of love and adventure will live on through those who knew her best. May her memory bring comfort to all who cherished her presence.

Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.