Obituary of Carroll R. Powell

Carroll R. Powell, 88, of Wall Township, NJ and Hilton Head Island, SC passed away at home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Born and raised in Scotch Plains, Carroll lived in Edison, Quito, Ecuador and Freehold before settling in Wall Township in 1996. She graduated Charles E. Gregory School of Nursing in Perth Amboy and later earned her Bachelor's Degree from Jersey City State University. Carroll dedicated her life to caring for others throughout a distinguished career. She worked as a Registered Nurse in the Operating Room at Perth Amboy General Hospital, in the Emergency Room and Operating Room at Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield, and in the Operating Room at JFK University Medical Center in Edison. Following her retirement from hospital nursing, Carroll continued serving her community by working as a school nurse and health teacher for the Township of Edison Board of Education retiring in 1985.

She found joy in life's simple pleasures. Carroll loved cooking and baking, tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, a day at the beach and was an avid reader who enjoyed gathering with her local book club. An adventurous traveler, Carroll explored destinations throughout Europe and South America, creating lasting memories along the way. Of all of the roles she held throughout her life, none brought her greater happiness than being known as "Granny", "Nana" and "GG Nana". Her unwavering love for her husband, John, and her family was the foundation of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carroll was predeceased by her parents, J. Ray and Lillian Olivera; and sister, Louise J. Olivera. She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, John B. Powell; son, Thomas R. DeSimone and his wife, Ida; daughters, Dina L. Daugherty and her husband, Mark and Patrice C. DeSimone; son-in-law, Alan Bulvanoski; nine grandchildren, Allissa Visconti and her husband, Gary, William Gerdes and his wife, Lauren, Anna Case and her husband, Colin, Emily Negron and her husband, Christian; Mark T. Daugherty, Christian R. Daugherty, Alexis Mauricas and her husband, Paulius, Casey Peacock and Alan J. Bulvanoski; and nine great grandchildren, Gary, Ava, Nicolette, Lilyann, Amelia, Christian, Vienna, Evelina and Charlie.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Monday, July 27, 2026 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 10:00 AM Funeral Mass on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 420 Inman Avenue, Colonia. Interment will follow in St. Gertrude Cemetery & Mausoleum, 53 Inman Avenue, Colonia. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages for the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com