Carolyn Marie (Rice) Wenczel

Carolyn Marie (Rice) Wenczel, 84, of Alexander, NC, passed away at her home on December 21, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Arthur R. Wenczel, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage before his passing in 2021. Carol is survived by her brother Victor Rice and his wife Dale.

Carol was a loving mother to nine children: Carolyn Maruhnic and her husband Peter of Montville, ME, Michael Wenczel and his wife Evelyn of The Villages, FL, Arthur Wenczel Jr. and his wife Tonjia of Asheville, NC, Lisa Lario and her husband Mark of Galena, OH, Stephen Wenczel III and his wife Stacey of Leverett, MA, Kristin Taulbee and her husband Larry of Alexander, NC, Andrew Wenczel of Alexander, NC, Jennifer Moore and her husband Chris of Henniker, NH, and the late Evan Wenczel and his wife Carmen. She also mourned the loss of her son-in-law David Cook and great-granddaughter Amelie.

Carol’s legacy continues through eleven grandchildren: Jared, Kelsey, Chris, Julia, Ben, Eric, Kale, Stella, Samantha, Alex, Devon; and five great-grandchildren: Evan, Petra, Sage, Theo, and Rory.

Carol was known for her warmth and inner beauty, which radiated outward. As a busy mom of nine, she still found the time to travel to NYC to receive training at the Fashion Institute of Technology, earn a degree from Rider College, and work in Art’s law practice. Her career journey led her to the role of an executive secretary at Bristol-Myers Squibb. Her determination and adaptability were evident as she taught herself computer skills to better excel in her job.

When the kids were still young, Carol decided to join Art and his fellow hunters on an 18-day winter big game hunt for moose and caribou on horseback in British Columbia. This grueling adventure exemplified Carol’s strength and her ability to face new challenges.

After retiring from their careers they moved to Asheville, NC and bought the Wright Inn and Carriage House and enjoyed hosting many guests over the next six years.

In the nearly three decades that they were members of St. Eugene Catholic Church they developed cherished friendships and found great comfort and joy from their strong faith.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Asheville, with 11:30 a.m. visitation prior to service. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her memory may be made to St. Eugene Catholic Church (steugene.org/onlinegiving) or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/give.html).
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.