Carol (Rack) Herndon, age 81, of Mattapoisett, formerly of Wellesley Hills and Scituate, passed away at home Tuesday, February 3, 2015 with her daughters by her side, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.
Born and raised in New Jersey, the daughter of the late Alfred and Irma (Dalton) Rack, Carol was a graduate of Springfield Regional High School and Florida Southern University where she was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega. She married a fellow FSU co-ed and after devoting her time and efforts to her family, she returned to school, earning a Masters degree from the Boston University School of Social Work in 1978. She retired from Massachusetts State Department of Mental Health, having worked at facilities in Taunton, Plymouth and Westboro, MA.
Fueled by her eye for style, she was an accomplished seamstress, weaver and home decorator. Carol had a deep love of sewing, cooking, theatre, symphony, playing tennis and bridge as well as traveling. She is a lifetime member of the Mattapoisett Historical Society and was an active member of the Women’s Club.
She is survived by her children, Cheryl Holmes of New Bedford and Stahley Szebenyi and her husband, Steve, of Chester Springs, PA; her former husband, Kenneth Herndon; four grandchildren, Kristen (Holmes) McCormick and Kenneth Holmes, and Emma and Jack Szebenyi; two great grandchildren; several cousins, nephews and nieces, and many good and dear friends. She was predeceased by her beloved big brother, Wallace Rack.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial gathering on Sunday, February 8, 2015 from 2-5 PM, with a celebration of her life at 3:30 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society (P.O. Box 238812, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-8804) or to a charity important to you. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.