WILMINGTON — Carol Ann Simkovic Nelson, 81, passed peacefully into the Lord’s hands on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, surrounded the by love of her family. Carol was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, as well as a passionate educator and dedicated volunteer. Her life was defined by unwavering love, deep faith, and a relentless commitment to those she cherished.
Born on May 31, 1944, Carol was raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and graduated from Bishop McCort Catholic High School in 1962. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1966, and later, her Master of Science in Education from East Carolina University in 1995.
A loving partnership of more than 58 years began in a college Music Appreciation class when Charles mustered the courage to strike up a conversation with the girl with a sharp mind and dimpled smile. The rest was history. Married in September 1966, Carol provided steadfast love and support for her husband and her children during stops at Ohio University, University of Chicago, Duke University, and East Carolina University. Later, Charles and Carol launched Carolina Medical Physics where they worked together for many years before retiring to Wilmington, NC.
At each stop in her journey, Carol continued a career nurturing minds and spirits; first as a high school teacher of French, History and English in Amesville, Ohio, and later as Director of Young World Daycare Center in Durham, NC. She was also a full-time homemaker, finding her greatest joy in raising and supporting her children and grandchildren.
Carol was an enthusiastic literacy advocate, volunteering for five years with the Pitt County Literacy Council, where she was honored as Literacy Volunteer of the Year. Her compassion and dedication left a lasting impact on her community.
In 2022, Carol was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare an incurable neurological disease. With courage and grace, she and her family faced the challenges of PSP until her passing, just ten days after her 81st birthday.
She is survived by her loving husband, Charles Edward Nelson; her children, Matthew Charles Nelson, Russell Gathorne Nelson II, and Erin Elizabeth Nelson; and her grandchildren, Sutton Hale Nelson, Hadley Ives Nelson, Elizabeth Murphy Nelson, Charles Thomas Nelson, and Ronan Nelson Ball. Also surviving are her sister, Mary Claire Simkovic Furman, and her husband, Edward, along with thirteen beloved nieces and nephews.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Veronica Matava Simkovic and John Simkovic; her siblings, Delores Simkovic Pinna, John Simkovic, and Tom Simkovic, and their spouses.
Carol’s family meant the world to her. She taught them to be strong but compassionate, to express their opinions and sometimes disagree. She navigated her many roles in life as she saw fit, in her own way, with her own spirit. And she always found an opportunity to enjoy a good (or sometimes pretty bad), cold glass of Chardonnay. Carol will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace, reunited with the family and friends who preceded her, and wait patiently to welcome the rest of us home.
Memorial Contributions may be made to either the Cape Fear Literacy Council or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice.
