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Carol Van Duzer Nicklin - Class of 1953

Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 06/Sep/2025
97.124.224.9

    Carol Ann Van Duzer Nicklin, 89, a long time resident of Marlborough New York, passed in her home on August 30, 2025. Carol was born January 10, 1936 to Anna Mae Rowley Van Duzer and Ellsworth J Van Duzer in Newburgh, NY.

Carol graduated from Newburgh Free Academy and attended a Business Trade School acquiring a certificate in Business Management and Accounting, and was employed as an Administrative Assistant to the higher ranks at Stewart Air-force Base until she met the love her life, John, an innovative farmer . They were married in 1958 and together invested, developed and modernized the industry to successfully create Nicklin Fruit Farms and Cold Storage, producing a wide variety of apples, grapes, pear, plums , peaches and berries, aside a Packing, Cold Storage and fruit exportation enterprise for over 55 years. Carol was instrumental in managing the business logistics and fiduciary responsibilities- she ran a tight ship!

Amidst her role in the business, Carol was active in her community as a volunteer at the Marlboro Free Library, the treasurer of their church, and supported her husband in his role as an elected Town Assessor for 14 years, hosting many community and political events.

Carol's greatest love was her family, married nearly 65 years, she and John raised two children, John William and Allison Carol Ann, providing a rich environment of cultural experiences and was a very devoted, loving wife and mother. She was known as kind but comical and quick witted with sharp mental agility! She held a compassion for others in need , be it a person or creature , and was generous with giving her time and support to multiple causes . Her home often served as a playground and refuge for many neighbors and friends !

An avid aviary fan, Carol found fun and solace in " bird watching " and monitoring the migration of many local species. Additional interests included reading, crossword puzzles , and travel .

She is survived by her son John William Nicklin, her daughter Allison Carol Ann Nicklin-Tobin, granddaughter Francis Isabella Nicklin, and beloved nieces ,nephews and cousins of Nicklin and Moss decent- Jenny, John, Elsie , Bill and Janet , amongst others. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Joan Mahary and twin grandsons Jonathan and Daniel Nicklin-Tobin.

While Carol has moved on from this world, she leaves behind a trail of beautiful memories and a legacy and lifetime of joy… she was a FORCE!

Donations can be made in Carols name to Hudson Valley Hospice for their care and compassion . Contributions can be made online at www.hvhospice.org ,or sent to 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie NY 12601.

A Christian Graveside Service will commence on Friday September 12, 2025 at 2 PM at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 5468 Route 9W North, Newburgh , NY .

A Celebration of Carol's Life will follow at the Ship Lantern Inn , 1725 Route 9W Milton NY from 4:30-7:30 PM

Please join in celebrating her humble and amazing life.