Carolyn Beatrice Wilfond

Carolyn Beatrice Shoenfeld Wilfond, 89, passed away on Sept 28, 2025, peacefully in her sleep, in Lantana, FL.

Caroyn was born on January 23, 1936, in Washington, DC, daughter of Charlotte Littman Shoenfeld and Benjamin Shoenfeld. She graduated from Roosevelt Highschool and the District of Columbia Teachers College. She also studied French at McGill University.

She taught in local high schools and married Arthur Emanuel Wilfond on June 23, 1958. Caroyln and Arthur initially lived in the District of Columbia and moved to Edison, New Jersey in 1964, where they raised their three children. Caroyln taught French to elementary school students in the Edison Public Schools, where her lessons revolved around music and food. She also taught Hebrew school and became a Hebrew school principal. A constant student, she took many art classes, and she and Arthur, together, received their MA in Liberal Studies at Kean College.

In 1987, Carolyn and Arthur retired and moved to Marco Island, FL. There, she studied to be cantor. She led services at the Hendry Correctional Institution and on more than 20 cruises. She liked to point out she only led Jewish services to captive audiences. She and Arthur created a garden in their home on Marco Island and grew oranges, etrogs, and orchids. Arthur passed away in 1998, and in 2006, Carolyn moved to Lantana Fl, so she could be closer to her son, Sam, and his family.

Carolyn loved to travel, within the US and other counties, and attend opera and theatre. She was a life lifelong artist and singer; was an avid painter and played the Ukulele. She instilled her love of music, art, and language to her family and friends. Carolyn moved to the Vi at Lakeside Village Care Center in 2012, where she continued to sing, speak French to the staff, and tell stories. Her family is grateful for the staff at Vi Lakeside Village who cared for her with kindness and tenderness.

She is survived by her sons, Benjamin (Patrica) Wilfond of Seattle, WA, Samuel (Susan) Wilfond, of Boynton Beach, FL and David (Deborah) Wilfond of Andover, MA; her sister, Judy Schoenfeld Schwab of Silver Spring MD; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She will be interred at the Marco Island Cemetery, with Arthur, on October 5, 2025, at noon. Donations in her memory can made to the Association of Reform Jewish Educators (https://reformeducators.org).