Obituary of Carolyn F. Rummel

Carolyn Faith Rummel, loving and beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed away peacefully at home on December 16, 2022.

Born December 28, 1939 to Mr and Mrs Herbert Brokvist, Carolyn was raised in West Roxbury, MA. In 1962 Carolyn graduated from Simmons College in Boston with a BSN. She went on to earn her MSN from the University of California in 1965. With these degrees Carolyn was hired to teach at Northeastern University in Boston and spent four years helping to develop their BA in Nursing program. It was on a trip to St Thomas in the spring of 1968 that she met her match in Peter Rummel of Short Hills, NJ. In June of 1971 they were married and Carolyn accepted a teaching position at the College of Nursing at Seton Hall University. In December of 1974 the couple welcomed their first son, Michael; three years later in November they welcomed their second son, Steven. Carolyn was devoted to her boys and dedicated to education, gracefully managing both for decades.

In 1978 Carolyn was a founding member of the Gamma Nu chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing at SHU. Twice serving as President, she was the chapter archivist and served as Philanthropy Chair. She was responsible for GN's long sponsorship of Magnificat Home in Jersey City. 

Ever the student, in 1990 she earned her PhD in Research and Theory Development from NYU; in 1999 her post-Master's Certificate in Holistic Nursing from the College of New Rochelle and in 2009 another MA in Theology from Seton Hall, all this while teaching and mentoring at SHU before retiring in 2001 after 30 years of service.

Carolyn was generous with her time and her spirit: she volunteered with the Red Cross and Meals on Wheels; she served on the board of Our House Foundation; she was a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary Board at St. Rose of Lima in Short Hills and was both a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. In all arenas Carolyn was a source of steady inspiration through her warmth and enthusiasm, her boundless patience and understanding. Utterly kind and thoughtful, she made friends wherever she went, keeping in touch with all. She was the most inviting and generous host of birthday and holiday parties and of course her annual Christmas Tea.

While her life was rich with friendships, Carolyn’s greatest love was her family. She and Peter traveled the country and the world, while keeping beautiful homes in Short Hills and Sea Girt, NJ and Waitsfield, VT. She cherished most her time with her children and nothing made her light up more than her grandchildren - she described spending time with them as her life’s greatest pleasure.

Carolyn was equal parts gentle and strong, calm and joyful. She had a keen mind, an open heart and her laugh could put anyone at ease. She was an invaluable friend to all, certain to be often remembered and dearly missed. She is survived by her husband, Peter; son Michael and wife Brenda; son Steven and wife Marcie; grandchildren Megan, Nate, William and Finley; sister Crystal and husband Robert English; and sister Cynthia and husband Jack Mathis. 

Visitation will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Ave, Short Hills  on Wednesday, Dec 21^st from 10-11AM . The Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment St. Rose of Lima Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our House Foundation, 76 Floral Ave, Murray Hill, NJ 07974 or to Magnificat Home,  119 Clerk Street, Jersey City, NJ 07305 would be appreciated.

For more information or to send condolences please visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com