WILMINGTON, N.C. — Carol Ann Chicoine Begin died peacefully at Lower Cape Fear Hospice House, July 9.

Born the oldest daughter of Isabelle (Price) and Rene Chicoine, Oct. 5, 1940, Carol grew up in Auburn. She graduated from Edward Little High School in 1958 and then attended Chamberlain College in Boston, Mass. On June 4, 1960, she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Derwood Begin.

Together Carol and Derwood raised three daughters, Darlene, Karen and Lisa. Carol and children traveled extensively with Derwood throughout his career in the U.S. Air Force, living in multiple states across the U.S., as well as in Guam and Great Britain.

No matter where they lived, or for how briefly, she was always quick to get settled in and make each new house feel like home for her family. Carol loved to explore every new region she lived in and took great interest in the local culture, cuisine, art and history.

Carol took a particular interest in British gardening during the three years the family lived in England. This passion stayed with her for the rest of her life. She would spend untold hours each spring and summer in her beloved flower beds and produce the most spectacular flower gardens year after year. She was also a wonderful cook who loved to make huge meals for her family and friends. We all enjoyed her variety of culinary skills.

Carol is survived and sadly missed by husband, Derwood; daughter, Darlene Begin and partner, Roxanne Chamberlin (Williams, Minn.); daughter, Karen Edwards and husband, Michael (Lynchburg, Va.) and their children, Matthew Edwards (Canton, Ohio), and Rachael Chiu and husband, Michael (Ridgefield, Wash.); and daughter, Lisa Crawford and husband, Douglas, and Lisa’s children, Ammon Baker, Joseph Baker, Miranda Baker and Christian Baker (all of Hampstead, N.C.); brother, Rene Chicoine (Auburn); sister, Nancy Dolan and husband, Michael (Ottawa, Canada); brother, Kenneth and wife, Louise (Lewiston); sister, Sharon Wise (Winthrop); and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Rene and Isabelle Chicoine; brother, Ronald Chicoine; mother-in-law, Irene Michaud; sister-in-law, Rosie Chicoine; and dear friend, Beverly Spiro.

Carol was a devoted wife, mother; grandmother, sister, aunt, and a loyal friend. She will sadly be missed by all.