Carolyn M. Mathews, 74, lifelong Worcester resident, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Notre Dame Long Term Care.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews, and was closest to James Mooney, of Salem, OR, and the late Daniel Mooney, of East Sandwich, MA. She also leaves many good friends, including best friend, Betsey Brenneman, of Worcester. Carolyn was predeceased by her siblings, Richard Mathews, Elizabeth “Betty” Mathews, Gloria Mooney, and Lorraine Coffone; and her parents, Adrien and Lena (Desautels) Mathews.

Carolyn was born and raised in Worcester, and received her Bachelor’s degree from Barrington College in Rhode Island. She then worked as a librarian for nearly 40 years at Worcester State University. She was also active in the AFSCME Local 1067 as elected Steward for over 20 years at WSU. She was a strong advocate for workers’ rights by her election to many state-wide union Local offices, including President for several years. She was also voted to serve as a member of many contract negotiation teams, as well as representative to countless AFSCME International conventions.

Carolyn loved to travel to places near water and golf courses, such as Disney World, Mystic, CT, and Bermuda. She especially loved hiking along trails with waterfalls in the Delaware Water Gap region of the Pocono Mountains. But her favorite place on earth, for over 30 years, was the week in July spent in a rented cabin on the shore of the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands.

She loved all animals, but absolutely adored her Cairn Terrier, Tasha, who was a great source of comfort and companionship.

Flowers are welcome, in addition to memorial donations to Guiding Eyes for the Blind (www.GuidingEyes.org) or to the Worcester Animal Rescue League (www.worcesterarl.org/donate).

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and say goodbye to Carolyn between 10 and 11 AM on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central St., Auburn. A private service and entombment will follow.