Caroline S. Plantz

1/25/1940 - 6/22/2023

Gales Ferry - Caroline S. Plantz, 83, of Essex, formerly of Gales Ferry, died peacefully June 22, 2023. She was born Jan. 25, 1940, in New London, and was the loving and devoted daughter of Earle Williams Stamm and Elizabeth Spicer Stamm.

A 1957 graduate of Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Mass., Caroline also attended the University of Connecticut earning her bachelor's degree in 1961, and her master's degree in 1965. She was a member of the Gamma Beta Chapter of the Delta Zeta Sorority and a member of Phi Upsilon Omicron National Honor Society. A passionate educator, Caroline adored spending time with children. In her early professional life, she taught second grade at Pleasant Valley Elementary School in Groton. After being accredited in the Montessori Method, she taught nursery school at the United Methodist Church. Despite her love of teaching, Caroline prioritized being a devoted military wife when she married USN Lieutenant Ernest V. Plantz. She was also a dedicated and loving mother to their five children. The family relocated several times in their early years living in Key West, Fla., Charleston, S.C., and then eventually settling in Gales Ferry, where Caroline and Ernie were active community members and kind neighbors.

Caroline loved God and her family above all else and this included her many friends who became her chosen family throughout the years. Visitors around the holidays often marveled at the extensive Christmas card collection which occupied one wall of the family room at 44 Woodridge Circle. The Plantz family annual Christmas letter and photo made its way across the country and around the world, reflective of the many people whose lives intersected with this friendly and welcoming couple. Caroline's late husband Ernie affectionately referred to her as "mother to the world" as she always made time to care and was never too busy to stop and help. As a Navy wife, Caroline served in many ways and was a proud member of the SubVettes organization. While Caroline was an accomplished teacher in her own right (She was very proud of being published in the Journal of Marriage and Family.), she was best known for the way she invested in her friends and community. Generous and giving, Caroline often put others before herself. It was never too late to call her, never too early to show up and there was always an extra cup of coffee or place at the table. She volunteered countless hours to military, church, scouting and child and family organizations. She was an avid knitter, gifting blankets, sweaters and scarves to many people in her life. She sang in the church choir and was famous for her potluck offerings, especially ambrosia and her homemade blueberry-peach pie.

Caroline was proud to serve in many roles at the Ledyard-Gales Ferry Baptist Church, including church moderator, Sunday school teacher, nursery attendant, choir member and flower committee chairperson. Caroline also served on the board of the New London Day Nursery. She was a life member of the Submarine Veterans Wives of WWII and served as chaplain and master of arms. She was also a life member of Submarine SubVettes where she also served as chaplain.

Caroline was predeceased by her beloved husband of fifty years, Ernest V. Plantz. Caroline is survived by her brother C. William Stamm and his wife Donna; by daughter Linda (Ross) and husband Jack of Norridgewock, Maine, and grandchildren, Kathryn and Rachel; by daughter Nancy (Grant) and husband Andrew of New London, and grandchildren, James and William Stanley, Lilian (and husband Zack), Hannah (and husband Robbie), Summer (and husband Dave), Hattie and great-grandchildren, Stowe and Sky; by son William and his partner Elizabeth Kirsch of Lebanon, and grandchild Jesse; by daughter Elizabeth (Sharp) and her partner Tessa Spillane of Natick, Mass., and grandchild Charlie; by son David of Bradenton, Fla.; and by her nieces and nephews. Caroline will be remembered for the many kindnesses she extended and for the warmth of her smile. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. We will continue to feel her love and know that she is watching over us all, especially in moments when we extend generosity and thoughtfulness to others.

Visiting hours will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 9, at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames Street, Groton. The U.S. Submarine Veterans Groton Base Honor Detail led by past base Commander John Carcioppolo will conduct an Eternal Light Ceremony starting at 4:30 p.m. for Caroline. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 10, at the Noank Baptist Church, 18 Cathedral Heights, Noank. Interment will be in Elm Grove Cemetery, 197 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Mystic and Noank Library, 40 Library Street, Mystic, CT 06355 or Camp Wightman (Spicer Village) 207 Coal Pit Hill Road, Griswold, CT 06351. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guest book or share a memory with the family.