Virginia Carolyn Mewhorter

It is with great sorrow that we share that Virginia Carolyn Mewhorter (Hamilton), 86, longtime resident of Appleton, WI, passed away on December 22, 2025. She was a cherished wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, and she will be deeply missed.

Carolyn was born on November 21, 1939, in Reed City, Michigan, to Virginia and Earl Hamilton. She grew up in Traverse City, Michigan, attending both elementary school and Traverse City Central High School before marrying Joseph H. Marchal in the summer of 1956. They spent their years together raising their two children, Leslie and Joseph, pursuing their careers, and traveling. After 18 years, they ended their marriage but remained friends and were a powerful support team for their children and grandchildren.

In 1978, Carolyn married the love of her life, Terry Mewhorter, and it was, as she was so fond of saying, the happiest of times. Over their 48-year marriage, they spent time at their cottage, immersed themselves in music—especially with Terry’s blues band and blues cruises with their friends Hoss and Cheryl Hosmer—and enjoyed time with their family and friends.

Carolyn valued the importance of both education and life experience. She earned an undergraduate degree from Lawrence University and a Master of Public Administration from UW–Oshkosh. She was a lifelong learner and never stopped expanding her horizons. She was an avid reader, a member of the Wednesday Club for over 20 years, and she traveled extensively throughout the country and the world.

Everywhere Carolyn lived and worked, whatever role she held professionally, her focus was on helping people realize their full potential. Whether working in the admissions office at a university, at a student bookstore, at Job Service, the Chamber of Commerce, or with Fox Valley Technical College, she had a positive impact on everyone she met. This was especially true during her time at Fox Valley Technical College, where she touched countless lives, supporting students as they pursued their dreams through education. She was also committed to giving back to her community, as evidenced over the years through her work with the League of Women Voters, the Appleton Public Library Board of Trustees, the Fox Valley Transportation Committee, the Democratic Party of Outagamie County, and other organizations.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Terry Mewhorter of Appleton; her children Leslie Marchal Villasenor (David) of Chicago, Joseph Marchal (Chie) of Henderson, NV, Jessica Woods of Chicago; and her dear friend Vicky Olenski (Mike) of Appleton. She will be greatly missed by her sisters, Jo Merilyn Wooters of Petoskey, MI, and Sandra Hamilton of Oslo, Norway; her brother, Earl Hamilton of Nelson, B.C., Canada; and her nieces and nephews. Her legacy will live on through her eight grandchildren, David (Symone), Maria (Brendan), Yuuto, Reina, Sarah, Nora (Jeff), John Patrick, and Joseph; and her two great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her beloved Grandpa Tate, her parents, Virginia and Earl, and her brother, Arthur.

Carolyn will be remembered by her many, many wonderful friends. She never met a stranger; everyone was welcomed as a friend. She often spoke of how fortunate she was to have met so many exceptional people and to have such steadfast friends in her life. If you were Carolyn’s friend, you had a piece of her heart.

Finally, Carolyn had a sense of humor like no other. She truly understood Victor Borge’s quote, “Laughter is the shortest distance between people.” She used the language of laughter to break down barriers, create a sense of closeness, and bring people joy. That was Carolyn at her finest.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Carolyn has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Fox Valley Humane Association, N 115, Two Mile Rd, Appleton, WI 54911, (920) 733-1717.