Carolyn was the only child of Sydney Smith Lee (of Norfolk, VA)  and Joan Marie Craig (of Brooklyn, NY). As a young girl Carolyn spent many summers with her mother and grandmother at the family cabin on Charleston Lake in Canada. Her sense of wonder, adventure and independence grew and flourished each summer, and in Canada she began her lifelong love of the water.

Growing up in New Canaan, CT Carolyn was a debutante at 18 and after graduating from Stoneleigh Burnham High School earned her BA from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. After graduation Carolyn moved to Sint Maarten, Netherland Antilles. Carolyn founded her first non-profit and ran a very successful children's clothing store while raising two small children on the island.

Returning to the States in 1987, with a strong work ethic and commitment to life-changing causes, Carolyn devoted herself to her family, volunteerism, and her church - St. Gregory Episcopal. Her deep faith was foundational for her and Carolyn continued to be an active member at The Episcopal Chapel of St. Andrew for many years and then St. Joseph Episcopal Church. In 2016 as part of a Sacred Planning workshop, Carolyn developed a personal mission statement that capsulized her heart: "I exist as a beam of courage and faith to carry forward divine compassion and hope to all whom I encounter."

Carolyn had a unique gift to inspire philanthropy by helping others experience the joy of giving and honoring their intent with sincere appreciation. Her work through Food for the Poor, New World School of Arts, Palm Beach Opera, and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts allowed her to share her commitment with others. As the Major Gifts Officer at the Kravis Center, Carolyn lit up a room and her vivaciousness and smile will be missed especially in the Founder's Room.

As a single working mother, Carolyn raised both Wickie and Chip while earning her Master's degree from Goddard College. With a clear and bold vision, she was committed to fulfilling her dream of empowering single mothers during her retirement years. Carolyn planned on beginning a non-profit to encourage single mothers struggling to support their children— not with monetary support, but rather by empowering them with a skill that could bring income and more importantly give themselves value.

Carolyn was beloved by family and friends alike. She is survived by her daughter Carolyn Wickes Wathey of Delray Beach, Florida; her son Albert "Chip" Wathey III of Austin, Texas and his family; and her half-siblings Susanna Campbell, Evelyn Griswold, Sally Bland Lee and Smith Lee.

A memorial service will be held Saturday December 11, 2021 at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, 3300 S Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach 33435. Carolyn loved flowers and they may be sent directly to the church. If you would prefer to support a cause dear to Carolyn's heart, please consider the Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org .