Carolyn (Rick) Benafel, age 64, died in her sleep on Feb. 24th, 2012 in her home in Woodstock, GA.

She was born in Reading, PA, on the 12th of May 1947, the fifth child of Whitner and Virginia Rick.

She graduated from Holy Name High School in 1965. She received her BS in Mathematics from Saint Mary of the Woods University in Terre Haute, IN in 1969.

Carolyn lived in southern California before returning to Reading to work on the family farm.

She married Douglas Benafel on November 9, 1985. They moved to Georgia in 1987 and Carolyn began working for Pike Family nursery. She worked there until her death. Carolyn's 25 plus years at Pike Nursery has become a legacy. She personally came to know over 1,000 employees over the years as she helped collect and prepare the practice tests for all the Pike employees going through the training to become Certified Georgia Plant Professionals.

Carolyn wore many hats and had many nicknames over the years at Pike Nursery. Because Carolyn's love of plants and people she was transferred to the Town Lake store where she became the Herb Lady, Perennial Lady and finally the Bird Lady. Never, never call her an expert she would exclaim, she just wanted to be a regular person, no uppity titles for her. All those who worked with her came to love her dearly; she was a caregiver to both her fellow employees and customers. Carolyn was just one of those special people we meet on our Journey through this life.

Carolyn was an avid bird feeder and watcher. She always wanted to find time to knit. Many have received the rewards of her talents.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas, of the home; step children, daughter, Sarah Mitchell and granddaughter, Mary Grace; son, Douglas Benafel JR and grandson, Sean; sisters: Rosemary DiNunzio and husband, Jack of Sinking Spring, PA, Virginia Durkin and husband, John of Flourtown, PA and Louise Rick of East Haddam, CT; and brothers: John Rick and wife, Vicki of Wyomissing, PA, Robert Rick and wife, Sarah of Sallis, MS, and Chris Rick and wife, Kathy of Shawnee, OK; and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

A Memorial Mass will be on March 10, 2012 at St. Ignatius Loyola R.C. Church, Whitfield. at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to a charity of your choice in Carolyn's name. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.