Carol Matheson Brennan

Carol Ann, as most knew her, or Momma and Grannie as we affectionately called her, left this life for her angel wings on Tuesday, August 25th, 2009.

Born December 16, 1938, the only child of Leolin and Ruth Matheson, who founded and operated White Way Dairy in Fort Pierce, it was only on special occasions that Carol got to accompany her dad in delivering milk to Fort Pierce residents. Born and raised in Fort Pierce, Carol graduated in the class of 1956, Dan McCarty Fighting Eagles. She was the granddaughter of Leo “Kid” Matheson, train engineer for Henry Flagler Railroad Steam Engine # 12.

Carol’s many life accomplishments include co-owner/operator of H. Vachon Citrus, and paralegal for St. Lucie County Clerk of Court, and Department of Children and Family Services, Child Welfare Legal Services, in Gainesville, FL. Her latest occupation as Office Assistant at Riverview Memorial Park was undoubtedly her most rewarding.

A long-time member and resident of Three Rivers Estates in Branford, FL, Carol enjoyed many years in the “woods” with the love of her life, Tony, and their neighborhood friends. She was a devoted Florida Gator fan and a proud member of the “Thursday Girls Club” with Joann, Pam, Patsy, and Betty. A true “Southern Belles” in every sense of the word.

Carol enjoyed life, traveling to many places, her favorite being Ireland, where she and Tony were married. She later returned to Ireland with her two oldest granddaughters to bring Tony’s ashes to the Irish hillsides. Most recently, Carol could not get enough of the salt air enjoying numerous boat rides with her kids, and a recent Pontoon River Cruise with her family. Her famous thumbs up sign approved a full throttle slide!

Carol’s proud family legacy are sons, Rick Vachon, and wife Edna, and Henry Patrick Vachon, Jr.; daughters, Michele Vachon and partner Tammy Casson, and Suzi Vachon and partner Cindy Kaplus; grandchildren, Danielle Vachon Steele and Chris, Dane Vachon and Sarah, Chelsea Vachon, Chad Vachon, Melody Noelke and Tammy Dowis; Amanda Noelke Young and David, Joey Casson and Erin, and Kelly Casson; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Mallory Steele, Jonah Noelke, Ellany Young, and Joey Casson; and her loving animal companion, Gretel.

As many of you know, the last few years of Carol’s life were extremely hard due to her declining health. She fought each challenge with determination and the strong will to regain her independence. She taught us how to face life’s challenges, find solutions, and turn them into the strength needed to face whatever would come her way. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the doctors and individuals who provided her care throughout these challenges, for their caring hands, but more so for the friendships she gained.

Memorial contributions may be sent to your choice of Riverview Memorial Park or Hospice of St. Lucie County.

Pallbearers are her grandsons and grand son-in-laws: Dane Vachon, Chad Vachon, Joey Casson, Chris Steele and David Young.

Services: Family Visitation Monday Evening August 31st, 5-7pm at Haisley Funeral Home, 3015 Okeechobee Road, Fort Pierce, 34947. Funeral Mass Tuesday September 1st 11:00 am St Anastasia Church, Fort Pierce. A luncheon reception will follow at Fort Pierce Yacht Club 700 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce.