Carole Ann Garwood (1941-2024)

Honored for serving as a Deaconess for 55 years affiliated with the Lutheran Diaconal Association, brilliant-minded, generous human being. Carole Ann Garwood, 83, of Millsboro, Delaware passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024.

Carole was born in Baltimore, MD, in 1941 to the late Milton Garwood and Helen (Groscup) Garwood. Although a native of Baltimore, Carole's home since early childhood has been in Wilmington, Delaware where she attended P.S. Dupont High School, class of 1958 and had early aspirations to become a Teacher of the Deaf/ Hard of Hearing (DHH).

A strong passion for music and wisdom, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts from Valparaiso University, Indiana with majors in religion and geography and a minor in education. While studying at Valparaiso, she served at St. Mathew's Lutheran Church for the Deaf in New York and the New York Deaf mission field as a deaconess intern on a part-time basis. Carole was also a member of three sororities: Pi Delta Chi, a social and professional sorority; Gamma Theta Upsilon, a professional honorary geography fraternity; and Gamma Sigma Sigma, a national service sorority. Following her undergraduate studies, she earned a Masters of Education, with specialization in geography, from West Chester State College, West Chester, Pennsylvania. After completing graduate work, she taught elementary school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. However, her education and teaching abilities coupled with the desire to travel and serve the country, led her to a career with the U.S. government. While working for the government, Carole travelled extensively including living abroad.

Carole received numerous accolades for exemplary and dedicated service to the Department of Defense. She also served as a deaconess in the Grace Lutheran Church, Chester, Virginia and the Lutheran Church of our Savior, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. An accomplished pianist, organist, soloist and chorister, Carole enjoyed playing the organ and singing as well as volunteering for various programs sponsored by the Church. Carole retired from the government in 1995 and lived her remaining years in Millsboro, Delaware.

Carole is survived by Mat Urrutia (ex-husband) and three stepchildren: Terry (Thierry) Urrutia-Pierreton, Lewis (Karen) Urrutia, Christine Urrutia and Elise Pierreton (step-granddaughter); a cousin: Richard (Debra) Groscup and Lee Groscup (son).

Carole was a surrounded by many friends including life-long friend Bruce Maxwell. When Carole retired, Bruce accompanied her on a month long excursion to Australia.

Carole enjoyed serving in the church, reading, theater, watching mystery and detective shows, and dabbling in arts and crafts. She will be dearly missed.

Memorial service to celebrate Carole Garwood's life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the Church of our Savior, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Lutheran Diaconal Association or the Lutheran Church of our Savior, Rehoboth Beach, DE are suggested.