Carole A. Hartling, beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Marblehead community, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 90 years old.
Born in Troy, New York, in 1934, Carole graduated from Lansingburgh High School and soon embarked on a career in the airline industry. It was during this time she met her late husband, George H. Hartling. Their shared love of travel took them to many cities and states across the country before they eventually settled in Marblehead in 1960. There they raised their three daughters: Erin Seymour (Will) of Sandwich, Susan Hartling of Los Angeles, California; and Leah Feingold (Judd) of Marblehead.
Carole was deeply involved in her community. In her early years in Marblehead, she generously volunteered her time and energy with several local organizations, including My Brother’s Table, The Harbor Women’s Club, Catholic Services and the Abbot Public Library. Through her work with Catholic Services, she played a meaningful role in helping relocate international families to Marblehead and surrounding towns.
Her professional life was as vibrant and engaging as she was. Carole began working as a tour guide at the House of the Seven Gables in Salem, where her natural talent for storytelling and her passion for history came to life. She later continued her work independently, offering historical tours across the North Shore for several prominent tour companies. Her dedication and love for sharing stories of the past continued until her retirement in 2022.
Carole is survived by her brother, Joseph Cunningham (Judy) of Troy, New York; her three daughters; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her warmth, intellect and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Please join us in celebrating Carole Hartling’s life on Friday, June 26, noon to 3 p.m. at The Landing Restaurant in Marblehead. Given Carole’s Love of reading, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Abbot Public Library at abbotlibrary.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.
