Margaret Wheeler Carini, 92, of South Glastonbury, CT died peacefully in her sleep on the 8th day, September, 2013.
Margaret was born November 3, 1920 in Presque Isle, Maine to Frank and Rose Ann Fleming Wheeler. In 1943 she married her handsome Pratt & Whitney coworker, the late James F. Carini, and moved into the home he built in the hills of South Glastonbury. They were known as a couple with a great love for one another. Margaret and Jim worked together in harmony, operating residential home building and various businesses, and raising a family. They enjoyed 58 blissful years together before he passed away 2001.
While her children were in high school, Margaret became the painting contractor of her husband's homebuilding business. Her crew management and hands-on labor allowed her to buy her dream car, a '64 Thunderbird Limited Edition, designed by Grace Kelly.
With her husband, she opened and operated three group homes for the mentally handicapped in Hartford, a pilot program in the State of CT starting in the 1960s to integrate institutionalized residents into the general community. This new program got the attention of the wife of the Vice President of the USA, Hubert Humphrey, who came to see the group homes and visited with Margaret. With her son, she worked successfully in different sales businesses until retirement. Margaret, just under 5 ft. tall, was known for her sparkle, spunk and spaghetti sauce.
Margaret’s greatest joy was in her family and in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She served as regional president for the women’s organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1980s. She loved her many experiences teaching the youth of the church. The family matriarch, she enjoyed an extraordinarily close relationship with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout her life, helping to raise 3 generations. She was a counselor, confidant and a friend-in-need to many in and out of her family.
Among her last words were, "I've lived a good life and I'm ready to go and be reunited with my Jim."
She is survived by her two children Ralph James Carini and Marjorie Lee Pasternak, both of South Glastonbury, CT. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, and 19 (soon to be 20) great-grandchildren who will be sustained in their loss by the following thought:
"We are closely related to our kindred, to our ancestors, to our friends and associates and co-laborers who have preceded us into the spirit world. We cannot forget them; we do not cease to love them; we always hold them in our hearts, in memory, and thus we are associated and united to them by ties that we can not break . . . . I claim that we live in their presence, they see us, they are solicitous for our welfare" -- Joseph F. Smith
Margaret requested that in lieu of a funeral, her immediate family hold just a private graveside prayer. We created this website to honor her with memories and to share our favorite photos of Margaret. We invite you to share any sentiments or stories with us here.
Tributes
Leave a tributeI had the great blessing to feel your love at the most crucial time of my life... when my family turned their back on me after my conversion. Margaret and Jim became like parents to me, and Ralph & Marilyn and Margie my big brother and sisters. Before, during and after my mission you all were mentors and guides for me. You truly loved me.
The great legacy that Margaret left and thread that wove through the entire Carini fabric was her love and testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. People could not know her and not marvel at her indomitable spirit and willingness to go a long, long way to succor those in need.
I was a witness to her family lovingly administering to her needs, in the waning years of her life, as she had done for thousands before; generations have a bedrock in Christ because of who she was and forever will be.
I thank Margaret and Jim and her children forever leading me to my Savior.
Greg Boucher
Irv and I send our deepest sympathy to all of you. Jim and Margaret were members of the Manchester Ward when we were there. She was and excellent seminary teacher. She had a way of reaching the youth. Our son Keith and daughter Teena loved her very much. May God bless you all and I know she is happy.
Leave a Tribute
I had the great blessing to feel your love at the most crucial time of my life... when my family turned their back on me after my conversion. Margaret and Jim became like parents to me, and Ralph & Marilyn and Margie my big brother and sisters. Before, during and after my mission you all were mentors and guides for me. You truly loved me.
The great legacy that Margaret left and thread that wove through the entire Carini fabric was her love and testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. People could not know her and not marvel at her indomitable spirit and willingness to go a long, long way to succor those in need.
I was a witness to her family lovingly administering to her needs, in the waning years of her life, as she had done for thousands before; generations have a bedrock in Christ because of who she was and forever will be.
I thank Margaret and Jim and her children forever leading me to my Savior.
Greg Boucher
A Letter from a Friend, posted with her permission
Dear Carini and Pasternak families,
I just heard about Margaret's passing and I started thinking of all the fond memories I have of her. I remember her from clear back in the Hartford branch in that tiny little chapel. She had more energy and spunk than anyone I knew. She had a heart of gold and a wonderful sense of humor, but yet I think she could have fought World Ward III single handedly.
I will never forget the wonderful Luau she put on for our branch. We had never had such an elaborate event before. She served roast pig (a real pig on a big platter with an apple in its mouth), coconut chunks on the shell, a beverage of watermelon juice and orange juice mixed and I don't remember what else. The Hawaiian music was playing and the hall was decorated beautifully. In order to get in, the men had to have on Hawaiian shirts and the women had to have on a muumuu, and in R.S. we made some extras for those who didn't have one. It was certainly a memorable event!
I remember when we used to have to go to Cambridge for district meetings. One time Margaret, Doris Rowlands and I were going up there for a R.S. meeting. We were late getting off. Margaret was driving and she was going 110 mile per hour. You might not believe me, but if Doris were here she would verify it. Doris is on the other side of the veil now too, and I'll bet she and Margaret are having a good laugh about it.
Even though you'll miss your mom, she is probably so happy to be with your Dad and the old gang from the Hartford branch--the Martins, the Robisons, the Stevens, the Frosts, the Banases, the Tompkins, the Ingersols, my husband Matt, and many other loved ones. I think the last time I saw your mom was quite a few years ago. She was at the veil at the temple. She looked so beautiful! The temple workers commented on what a sweet, tiny little woman she was. I thought, "If they only knew what a dynamic spirit was in that little body!"
I'm sure you're all having a mixed bag of feelings right now. It's hard to let go of someone so dear. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Sister Eylene Mathewson
Margaret--"A virtuous woman is priced above rubies"
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies....Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." Proverbs 31:10, 28.
I cannot think of a better way to describe Margaret than in words from the Bible, Proverbs 31 verses 10 through 31. I have admired her example of kindness, concern and love for others. She is a woman of great strength of character. She spread her wings and gathered in family, friends and strangers throughout her life and is now free to soar!
A Poem by Shaan Blamires
Margaret’s Gift
I once had a friend, a most special friend,
And when in her presence
It was like being in a beautiful garden.
And in this garden, I shall always feel her there,
In the soft sunshine dripping from every blade of grass,
In gentles breezes that caress the leaves of each tree to life,
And fluttering on the wind with colorful bees and butterflies,
Sipping from fragrant flowers, even more brilliant and alive.
A lovely Lady was she, of kindest countenance,
Whose soft spoken words have filled my heart.
She taught me the beauties of a gentle soul,
And the everlasting joys of a one-true-love.
She made of me something special, though it was not I,
But, her own uniqueness reflected in me.
I shall miss our soft moments together, too far between,
Of speaking of everything and nothing,
Like sharing birthdays a day apart,
Sparkling with love and life’s fullness, despite mortal years,
And a love of those things that bring the heebie-jeebies!
I shall ever again await to behold those kindest of eyes,
And feel the gentle touch of soft hands on mine.
Margaret, my dearest Margaret, thanks I give to you,
For every cherished moment once shared,
For accepting friendship and love with wide open arms,
And especially for loving me. . . and making for me a special place in your
heart.
With all the love a kindred heart can express,
Your friend for the eternities,
Shaan Blamires