Carolyn Elizabeth (Foell) Scheffler

Carolyn Elizabeth (nee Foell) Scheffler passed away surrounded by her family on July 20, 2026, at the age of 85.

Carolyn is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Eric Scheffler; her children, Eric "Ricky" Scheffler (Michele) and Lynn Scheffler Gazzara Keels (Mark); her grandchildren, Robert Scheffler (Sami), Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie (Ethan), and Makoto "Mak" Gazzara; and her great-granddaughter, Violet McKenzie. She was preceded in death by her parents, Caroline (nee Lauer) and Robert Foell, and her son, Steven Scheffler.

Born in 1941 to Caroline and Robert Foell, Carolyn grew up in the Burholme neighborhood northeast of Philadelphia. She met her future husband, Eric, in 1947 while attending elementary school. The two attended both elementary and middle school together before eventually going on to separate high schools. Though their paths temporarily diverged, they found their way back to one another. Eric could never forget her blue eyes.

The couple married in 1960 during Eric's final year in the United States Navy. Carolyn drove to Rhode Island one weekend so they could be married in her parents' basement before driving him back the next day. She wore a tea-length dress, and Eric wore his dress whites. It was a simple beginning to an extraordinary 66-year love story.

While Eric was serving in the Navy, Carolyn attended beauty school and became a hairstylist. She always believed in the importance of good hair—a trait she happily passed down to her family. After Eric's military service, they settled into their first home and began raising their family. Along the way, they lived in Pennsylvania and Michigan before establishing roots in Medford, New Jersey, in 1982.

Carolyn and Eric welcomed their son Ricky in 1964, their son Steven in 1966, and their daughter Lynn in 1970. Becoming a mother was one of the greatest joys of Carolyn's life. She poured her heart into raising her children and took immense pride in every milestone they achieved. She loved all three of her children fiercely, and after Steven's passing, his memory remained close to her heart. Her home was a place of warmth, good food, laughter, quirkiness, and unconditional love. An excellent cook and gracious hostess, she filled holidays with traditions her children would carry throughout their lives, especially at Christmastime. She delighted in decorating the house, wrapping every stocking stuffer individually, and creating the kind of magical memories that became part of her family's story. Her children always knew they could count on her steady support, practical wisdom, and unwavering love. The bond they shared remained one of the greatest sources of joy and pride throughout her life.

A devout Methodist throughout her life, Carolyn dedicated countless hours to her church and service projects. Her faith guided her daily actions and shaped the way she cared for others. She was an active member of Medford United Methodist Church and its social circles, including the Busy Bees Circle. Over the years, bees became one of the symbols most closely associated with her.

Carolyn's joy only grew when she became a grandmother. She welcomed her grandson Robert in 1992 and her granddaughter Caroline in 1994. Later, when her grandson Mak joined the family through adoption, Carolyn eagerly boarded a plane to Japan to meet him. In 2023, she was thrilled to become a great-grandmother when Violet was born. Known affectionately as "Nanny," she treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Whether sharing stories, celebrating milestones, or simply spending time together, she made each of them feel uniquely loved. The memories they created together will remain among their most cherished gifts from her.

Above all, Carolyn's life was defined by love—love for her faith, love for her family, and especially love for Eric. For more than six decades, they were rarely apart and exemplified a partnership built on devotion, friendship, and unwavering commitment. Though Carolyn is no longer physically present, the love she shared will continue to live on in Eric and in the family she cherished so deeply.

The family takes comfort in knowing that Carolyn's greatest wish—to love and be loved by her family—was fulfilled many times over.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Carolyn's memory to the Alzheimer's Association.  https://www.alz.org/

Relatives and friends are invited to the Bradley & Stow Funeral Home, 127 Medford-Mt. Holly Road, Medford, NJ 08055 for a visitation on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 10am to noon, with a celebration of Carolyn's life service to start at Noon.  Interment will follow in Parkview Cemetery in Historic Medford Village on Coates Street.

(www.BradleyStow.com)

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