Mavis Bowler Carroll

October 12, 1917 - March 7, 2009
Mavis Bowler Carroll

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Mavis Carroll, mother of Pam Humbaugh, succumbed to pneumonia in Wilmington, NC on March 7, 2009 at the age of 91.

Mavis was a unique woman, well ahead of her time. She graduated high school at 16 and was given a full scholarship in mathematics to attend New Jersey College for Women (now Rutgers University), graduating in 1938. Her career in mathematics included actuarial analysis, code breaking during WWII for the government and managing a statistics department. Mavis was well known in the statistical field – as a member of the American Statistical Association and as a contributor to the Gordon Research Conferences.

Mavis was never at a loss to entertain herself or others. Her solitary pastimes were intellectual ones, particularly puzzles – crossword, jigsaw, crypto quotes, logic, and anagrams. A voracious reader, she had a particular bent for mysteries – which, of course, she tried to solve before finishing the book. But she also loved socializing, entertaining, cooking and playing games – charades, pictionary, liars dice, six letter word game, trivial pursuit and of course bridge. With her wealth of knowledge, you definitely wanted her on your team.

Mavis was passionate about many things, but the top two were food and traveling. She enjoyed all aspects of food – eating it, preparing it, figuring out new flavor combinations and how to creatively use leftovers.

Her love of travel took her virtually anywhere, anytime and with anyone. She liked to experience countries on her own terms – no guided tours for her. She would walk around, visit museums, admire architecture, experience local cuisine and just soak in the culture. But she also liked learning about the culture, and took advantage of educational travel through Elderhostel, making many friends that she kept contact with to this day.

Mavis is survived by her 3 daughters – Pamela Humbaugh of Wilmington NC, Kay Carroll of Litchfield CT and Patricia Hehlo of East Brunswick NJ, as well as 3 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

At Mavis’ request there will be no services. At some future date, her ashes will be spread in “her” ocean. Her love of animals led her to donate her pacemaker to a vet school. Her memory can be honored with donations to the New Hanover Humane Society, 2405 N. 23rd Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.


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  • March 11, 2009
    Phil and Bea Stewart says:
    Dear Pam The few times we were privileged to enjoy your Mother's company,we were impressed by the fact that she always had a smile. Mavis spread joy wherever she went. We know you will miss her. We send heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

  • March 11, 2009
    Butch Shrader says:
    I was very saddened to hear about Mavis, but I'm sure you'll always be thankful for having her around for such a long time. Mavis was one of a kind, and I'm so happy she was able to remain active and so amazingly intelligent and alert until the end. If it weren't for her, we all may never have learned to play bridge, and I'm honored we were able to play one last time when we were last there! So Mavis, here's to you! What a great lady. Love, Butch

  • March 11, 2009
    Cate Boeth says:
    Kay, my heart broke when I saw your note yesterday. Mavis was such an amazing mother, and you were so so so lucky to have her in your life so actively, continously and closely. You were like old friends, and I always hoped that someday I would have that kind of relationship with my daughters, since I didn't have the good fortune you did to have it with my own mom. You never took each other for granted. That is one of the things that really amazed me about your relationship: the active, sustained connection. Kay, your mom had such a wide heart -- she was not only comfortable with anyone, but I always got the sense that she embraced everyone she met with her attention and warmth. I can see that in you as well. I am so sad, but I am glad she got things on her terms. After watching Kerry die, I know how dehumanizing the alternative is, and how often that path isn't even an "alternative." I don't know that you or she could ask for more than that. But it doesn't mean that the ending is any less brutal to face. Peace. Cate.

  • March 11, 2009
    Christy Fields says:
    Mavis, you will be so missed! I will remember you always at Anini Beach, sitting at the table by the big picture window doing puzzles and keeping the banter lively - above the sounds of the tradewinds and the geckos and the ocean. You were always the most excellent kind of travel companion! Adventurous and enthusiastic yet relaxed and fun-loving. Thank you for sharing time with me and my family. Aloha

  • March 11, 2009
    Harvey ^ Anne Slatin says:
    I met Mavis, her husband, and her three young daughters some fifty odd years ago. We were guests of Arturo Covert's at his cottage at Fair Harbor, Fire Island, N.Y. Arturo was an associate of Mavis at the Squibb's Laboratoryin New Bruinswick. There were many such meetings at the beach house. Mavis was a charming, entertaining, fascinating, accomplished, delightful young woman. We luxuriated in her conversation, intellect and humor. When we lived in Greenwich Village in New York, Mavis visted us several times. Later when we moved to Stamfordd, we saw her when she came to visit Arturo during those annual get togethers with the Krolls, or we would visit her in Tarrytown. Otherwise our communication was through correspondence or from tales Arturo brought back after his visits. A year after my wife, Yeffe, died, I married Anne who was 30 years my junior. Mavis' comment, "Harvey is either mad or reckless." I year later, at age 64, I fathered a son, my sole offspring. Mavis' retort, "Harvey is both mad and reckless." Mavis will live ever in my memories.