Obituary of Carol Lichtenfels McGrath

Carol Lichtenfels McGrath of Charlotte North Carolina passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on December 19, 2022; She was 81 years old. Carol was born in Asheville, North Carolina, and was the eldest daughter of the late Alfred and Irmgard Lichtenfels.

She attended high school at Saint Genevieves of the Pines in Asheville North Carolina (1959), and Nazareth College in Louisville, Kentucky (1964) with a degree in Art.

Carol, affectionately known as “Nan” by her granddaughters had a loving spirit, and nothing made her happier than spending time with her granddaughters and family.

If you had the pleasure of knowing Carol, you know of her boundless creativity, her love of the arts, the Western NC mountains (Asheville), camping, Jeopardy!, dessert (cheesecake) and all things cats.

A retired elementary school teacher and a published children’s book author, she loved any opportunity to share her creative talents with the world. Beyond her daily classroom, she always volunteered to help facilitate school plays and performances, and always asked to handle the artistic scenery and stage-craft.

Among her many musical talents, was her ability to play the piano by ear. A favorite question.. What time is it? A lover of time. She had the incredible ability to, tell you what day of the week it would be on any given date several years in the future…All while accounting for leap years.

Carol is survived by her children Jill Pridemore Thomas, and husband Marshall Hoyt Thomas, Scott Alfred Pridemore and wife Laura Taylor Pridemore. Grandchildren; Sarah Ann Pridemore and Kathrine Martha Pridemore and her sister Joyce Lichtenfels as well as nieces, and multiple cousins.

Friends and family are invited to join together to celebrate Carols life at 12:00pm Saturday January 21, 2023 at the residence of Scott and Laura Pridemore. Contact Scott or Jill for any additional information.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ARTS FOR LIFE North Carolina, or THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF CHARLOTTE