Carolyn Breedlove Malmberg

Carolyn Breedlove Malmberg, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away in Dover, DE on Wednesday April 23, 2025.
Mrs. Malmberg was born on June 9, 1930, in Athens, TN, to Varnel Washington Breedlove and Essie Catherine Breedlove. After her father's passing in her infancy, her mother returned to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina to be near family. The region had been hit hard by the Great Depression and took longer to recover than many parts of the country. Education was valued in her family-her mother and maternal grandfather were both educators, and her father's side also held it in high regard. Following high school, Mrs. Malmberg was accepted to Berea College in Kentucky but had little money to attend. It was only through the combined support of her Uncle John, Berea's Work Program, and by working multiple jobs year-round that she was able to put herself through college. She graduated in 1952 with a bachelor's degree and remained a lifelong supporter of Berea, grateful for the opportunity it provided. Throughout her life, education remained important to her, a value she instilled in her children.
Mrs. Malmberg's first teaching job was in Earlville, IL where she met and married Constantine F. Malmberg, a fellow teacher. She and her husband resided in Oak Park, IL where their five children were born. They lived briefly in East Lansing, MI before finally settling in Dover, DE in 1969. She continued her teaching career in Dover, where she taught SEMC in the Caesar Rodney School District and was honored with a Teacher of the Year award. At the same time, she remained committed to her own growth, earning a master's degree from the University of Delaware.
After retiring from teaching, Mrs. Malmberg dedicated herself to advocating for vulnerable children as a volunteer with Delaware's CASA program. Appointed by judges to speak up for abused and neglected children, she served faithfully for over a decade, helping to safeguard the well-being and futures of many young lives.
During her retirement, Mrs. Malmberg spent many hours delving into her family's genealogy, producing a large family tree compilation with her son Peter. She was a Century Club member and an avid reader and book club member. She enjoyed playing bridge and loved to travel. She was a charitable woman, a good friend to many people, and a wonderful mother and grandmother. She will be sorely missed.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Constantine F. Malmberg II, a brother RE Freeman, a daughter Jennifer L. Malmberg, and a daughter-in-law Cathy Malmberg. She is survived by her 4 children and their spouses - Rebecca and Jerry Davieau, Catherine and Henry Caple, Constantine F. and Lori Malmberg, and Peter and Janice Malmberg. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren - Nicholas, Daniel (Jessica), Gregory (Gillian), Andrew, Matthew (Ranjana), Alexander, Zachary and Elise; and a step-grandson, Sam Forester. She is also survived by her brother, Edwin Breedlove and his wife, and her sister, Mary Lee Paxton.
There will be a Memorial service at Wild Quail Golf and Country Club on Sunday June 8th at 2pm.
Memorials may be made to Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404.