Carolyn Carey Morgoglione died peacefully on February 15, 2026. Born on September 20,1935 in Delmar, Delaware and christened Carolyn Marie, she was the only child of Elizabeth and Carroll Carey.

At Wicomico High School in Salisbury, Maryland, Carolyn -nicknamed “Kac” - served as English Club President, Debating Club Vice-President, and staff writer for the Wi-Hi News. With her eye on a teaching career since 5th Grade, Carolyn was also a member of the Wi-Hi Future Teachers of America. She graduated in 1953 and went on to earn her teaching credentials at Maryland State Teachers College.

Carolyn’s father was a hard-working, skilled automotive and air conditioning mechanic. Her mother was a gifted seamstress working at the Fruitland Shirt Company in 1954, when a young manager from New York City named Dino transferred to her department, changing Elizabeth's – and Carolyn’s – lives forever.

Carolyn caught Dino Morgoglione’s eye when she came to the factory one day to pick up her mom’s paycheck. Dino was smitten, learned that she worked behind the lunch counter at the local drug store, and began to dine there regularly. They began dating and were soon making history.

Carolyn and Dino were married in 1955 in Salisbury. Daughter Terri arrived in 1956, followed by son Greg in 1957. After a few moves due to Dino’s career the family landed in Winchester, Virginia in 1963. They visited Powhatan School, an independent school located in nearby Boyce. The kids were enrolled – Greg in 1st and Terri in 2nd – and Carolyn asked if they had any openings for educators.

They didn’t, but she made an impression on Don Niemann, Powhatan’s young new Headmaster, and two years later Carolyn got the call and began teaching 4th Grade students at Powhatan. An enduring legacy began to take shape.

The following year Carolyn moved from the 4th to the 3rd Grade classroom starting traditions like The Virginia Company, annual overnight trips to Williamsburg & Jamestown, and classroom learning centers. And for years each student made their own cross-stitch sampler. “Some children have wonderful memories of that,” Carolyn once said, “and some will say it’s the worst thing they’ve ever done!”

Carolyn taught 3rd Graders for more than two decades, then continued teaching 3rd Grade Math while stepping into the role of Curriculum Coordinator and Director of Admissions. In her 40 years at Powhatan Carolyn mentored many young teachers, serving as Head of the Lower School and Assistant Head of School. She cherished her time at Powhatan and dearly loved her students and all the faculty and staff she worked with over the years.

Outside of Powhatan Carolyn was known as a wonderful cook and hostess, serving up homemade pasta and ravioli at her Christmas dinner parties. She was a Bridge Club member and served on the Altar Guild at Christ Episcopal Church for many years.

Following the loss of her beloved husband Dino in 2017, Carolyn moved to The Colonnades community in Charlottesville to be closer to her children. Her supportive, compassionate, and witty nature brought countless new friends into her life at The Colonnades.

Carolyn passed at The Colonnades with her son Greg at her bedside, the final strains of Amazing Grace ringing softly from his guitar.

Donations to honor and sustain Carolyn's legacy can be made to Powhatan School by designating the Carolyn Morgoglione Endowment for Professional & Program Development at the school’s website.

A private interment service for immediate family will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Winchester. For friends, family, and former students and colleagues, a Celebration of Life gathering will be held at Powhatan School in the spring. For friends at The Colonnades community, we will host a Celebration of Gratitude in Charlottesville for all who have provided love and support. Details will be shared as they become available. Please email CelebrateMrsMorgoglione@gmail.com to be kept up to date on Celebration arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com

Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is honored to serve the family.