Carolyn A. (Surowiec) Gavitt, 64, beloved wife of John H. "Jack" Gavitt of Courtland St., Pawcatuck, R.I. and Stuart, Fla., died June 16, 2009 in the Westerly Hospital, following a lengthy illness.

Born in Providence, R.I., she was the daughter of the late Walter J. and Frances R. Surowiec. Carol lived much of her childhood and early adulthood in Manchester, and moved to Pawcatuck after marrying Jack in 1965. Until her illness forced her retirement, she spent the last 35 years working in retail stores in the area, including Reid & Hughes, Tarny's, JC's of Watch Hill, Woodmansee's Gift Shop, and Sun Up Gallery.

In addition to her husband, she is also survived by a son, Scott M. Gavitt; a daughter and son-in-law, Jamie and Steve Henkin; two grandsons, Nicholas and Zachary Henkin; and her mother-in-law, Veronica Palmer.