Carol Ann Horling

Carol A. Horling, formerly of Rahway NJ and having recently moved to Brick NJ, went to sing with the choir of angels on March 9th, 2021, after a long battle with cancer. Born on January 18,1947 to Frank and Ann Mastrangelo in Rahway, she leaves behind her devoted son Jimmy; loving daughter Jennifer and son-in-law John; adorable grandsons Jaxon and Travis, as well as her brother- and sisters- in-law, so many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and many more. She passed away on the same day as her loving mother, 5 years prior, who welcomed her home with open arms as she joined her devoted, late husband, James E. Horling, father, parents-in-law, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and dear friends who went before her. The term " One of a Kind" is often used to describe the woman Carol was. To know her, was to love and understand her. Carol was the life of the party, a typical "Jersey Girl," who adored the town in which she grew up. Her Rahway roots remained deep. The relationships she built with the people she cherished lasted her entire life; even her "paperboy" and dear friend from grade school flew to see her in her final days. Carol was actively involved as a member of the Rahway Class of 1965 Reunion Committee and fondly talked about her classmates and the times they shared. Carol loved the ocean and although she looked forward to trips to St. Maarten, nothing topped the Jersey Shore where she'd spend her summers soaking up the sun and later retire. Carol loved her children more than anything and was proud of the adults they became. Friends of her children fondly remember Carol as the "cool mom" or their "second mother." Carol loved her children's friends as if they were her own, often inviting them over or messaging them on Facebook. A friend of her daughter and son even flew to see her one last time. She was avidly involved in her children's school days as a class mother, field trip chaperone, music and theatre volunteer. She never missed a football game to watch her son play or her daughter cheer. Every teacher, administrator, student and parent knew who Carol was. Carol lived to have a good time and never wanted to grow up. Her late husband would often refer to her as "the world's oldest teenager," He even kept a list of all the words she'd mispronounce, so we could tease her. Carol's first battle with cancer began in her breast, but through early detection it was caught and treated. She religiously walked for breast cancer each October in Point Pleasant, wearing some ridiculous costume, ending up at the Tiki Bar to celebrate life. Several years later, cancer came back for its next battle with Carol. Little did it know, she'd put up such a fight. Immediately following chemotherapy treatments, you'd often find "Carol Karaoke" at Café Z, Molly McGuires, Mario's or Bart's singing karaoke to her adoring fans. Some of her classics included "Old Time Rock and Roll" or "Crazy," which were among some of the songs played at her bedside. Carol never admitted the magnitude of strength she had during her fight, but those who loved her admired her courage and refused to let her fight alone. One of her lifelong and beloved besties stayed by her side during her trip to Texas, where Carol spent her last weeks of life near her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. There was nothing Carol wanted more than to be a grandmother, and she adored her grandsons. When she couldn't be with them, she Facetimed or sent them something from Amazon. Spoiling her boys was the highlight of her Grandma duties. Carol was tremendously loved and will be sorely missed. Her son and daughter were able to be with her in the end. Her daughter held her hand as she took her last breath. Life without Carol will never be the same, but the memories and happier times will always be unforgettable.

Carol Ann Horling

January 18, 1947 - March 9, 2021