Carole Mathers Hertz

1941 - 2025

Dr. Carole Mathers Hertz passed peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 5, 2025, at hospice in Aldie, Va., following complications from a cerebral stroke. She was 83.

Carole Mathers was born on Dec. 26, 1941, in Washington, D.C., to John William and Virginia Elburg Mathers. She grew up in Bethesda, Md., and Arlington, Va., attending both Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Washington-Lee High Schools.

Carole's first marriage, to Richard Alan Hodson, brought two children - William Keith Hodson and Elizabeth Anne Edelmann. Early in that marriage, the family moved to San Francisco, where Carole began her collegiate studies at UC Berkeley. Later, as a single mother, she pursued her long-held academic goals, earning both her master's and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from The American University in Washington, D.C.

In 1976, Carole married Alfred Burke Hertz, an attorney in Falls Church, Va. The couple made their home there before moving to Flint Hill, Va., in Rappahannock County. Carole opened a private practice in nearby "Little" Washington and also served as a school psychologist for the Fauquier County school system. In 1980, she became a founding partner of the Fauquier Counseling Center, which provided a comprehensive range of social and mental health services to the region.

Carole's life, however, was far from defined by her professional pursuits. Married to Burke for 27 years until his passing in 2002, she valued their time together traveling abroad and enjoying the outdoors - whether attending steeplechases in Rappahannock, boating and fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, or snorkeling in the Caribbean.

In 2004, Carole relocated from Flint Hill to Warrenton, Va., where she became a lively presence in the community - often seen enjoying time with friends and colleagues at art galleries, plays, church, or her favorite restaurant, Claire's at the Depot.

Her intellect and curiosity shaped her life well beyond work. A talented and adventurous cook, she delighted in hosting gatherings for friends and family. Nearly everyone who knew her recalls her quick wit and lively sense of humor as defining hallmarks of her personality. A lifelong animal lover, she was rarely without a dog or cat by her side.

Carole studied the great artists and painting for more than four decades and became an accomplished artist in her own right. Deeply engaged in the community's lively arts scene, she served as president of Warrenton's Piedmont Symphony. Ever the reader, she participated in and hosted local book club events; a student of history and design, she lent her discerning eye as a member of the Warrenton Architectural Review Board.

Her curiosity extended to the wider world - especially Africa, whose cultures and wildlife profoundly moved her. She visited several countries across the continent, developed a deep passion for elephants and rhinos, and supported conservation through the Sheldrick Wildlife Foundation. Later in life, her faith took on renewed importance as she served as a lay minister at St. James Episcopal Church, contributing generously to its ministries and committees.

Carole is survived by her children, Keith Hodson and Beth Edelmann; their spouses, Eva and Chris; two grandchildren, Alex and Max Edelmann; one great-grandchild, Avery Edelmann; two step-grandchildren, Jessica Simic and Morgan Swersey; her brother, Robert Mathers of Denton, Tx; and her nieces and nephew, Karen, Melanie (Murray), Billy, and Marianne Mathers.

A private family service will be held at Willoughby Spit, her beloved childhood summer destination near Norfolk, Va.

For those wishing to honor Carole's memory, a contribution in her name to the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra is very appreciated. She is featured as sponsor of the "Carole M. Hertz Student Visual Art Contest."

https://www.piedmontsymphony.org/education-outreach

Online condolences may be expressed at www.moserfuneralhome.com