LELAND — Carolyn Goulet, 62, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, in Leland, North Carolina, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous journey with cancer.
Known as Cindy or Carol depending on how you knew her, Carolyn was fiercely independent, strong-willed and undeniably stubborn, but underneath it all had a genuinely good heart and loved her family deeply.
Born on July 2, 1964, in Leland, North Carolina, Carolyn was the daughter of the late John N. Lewis and Alexandria “Dolly” Lawrence, and stepdaughter of the late Alan “Mike” Lawrence. One of nine children, she spent most of her life in Swansea, Massachusetts, and was a proud graduate of Joseph Case High School, Class of 1982.
Carolyn was married to Sylvain Goulet for 38 years. Together they shared many chapters of life and raised their only son, Cory.
Carolyn worked in the insurance industry for more than 30 years while also proudly owning Pleasant St. Christmas Tree Farm in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. She loved the Christmas season and being outdoors, whether working around the farm or in the yard.
Above everything else, Cory was Carolyn’s pride and joy. She dedicated much of her life to making sure he had everything he needed and always knew how deeply he was loved. She loved taking Cory on vacations and creating experiences and memories together, including cherished days on the lake in New Hampshire.
Becoming Meme brought Carolyn tremendous joy. She loved baking and shopping with her granddaughter, Mackenzie, and watching her grandson, Aiden, play his many sports. She was incredibly proud of both of them.
Carolyn loved traveling, attending festivals and going out to eat with family and friends. She enjoyed being on the water, motorcycle rides, horseback riding and trips to the casino. She loved dancing, puzzles, crafts, and watching her crime shows, Elvis Presley was a longtime favorite. Hummingbirds, hydrangeas and lighthouses also held a special place in her heart.
She loved to shop especially for handbags, and preferably big ones. As Carolyn would say, “You can never have too many bags.”
Carolyn is survived by her beloved son, Cory Goulet, and daughter-in-law, Jessica Goulet; her cherished grandchildren, Aiden Goulet and Mackenzie Goulet; and her eight siblings and their spouses: John Lewis (Terri) of North Carolina; Ramona “Candy” Costa (John) of Texas; Bonita “Bonnie” Rodrigues (Mario) of Massachusetts; Maria Dunlea (Dennis) of Rhode Island; Alan “Mike” Lawrence (Kathleen) of Ohio; Cheryl Leveque (Ronald) of North Carolina; David Lawrence (Trudy) of New Hampshire; and Kimberly Melo (Luis) of Massachusetts.
She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, extended family members and special friends.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her father, John N. Lewis; her mother, Alexandria “Dolly” Lawrence; and her stepfather, Alan “Mike” Lawrence.
Carolyn’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare for the compassion, support and care provided throughout her palliative and hospice care.
In accordance with Carolyn’s wishes, she will be cremated and no traditional funeral service will be held. Two Celebrations of Life will be held one in North Carolina and one in Massachusetts. Details will be announced by the family at a later date.
Carolyn loved flowers, plants and the outdoors. Those wishing to honor her memory are welcome to send flowers or plants to the family home, just as Carolyn would have loved.
When a hummingbird stops nearby, hydrangeas begin to bloom, a lighthouse comes into view, Christmas trees fill the air with their familiar scent, or someone spots a handbag Carolyn absolutely would have needed, we hope those who knew her as Cindy, Carol, Mom, Meme, sister or friend will smile and remember her.
