Carol J. Hodges

Carol Jean Hodges (nee Andersen) passed away peacefully, two weeks shy of her 96th birthday, on October 10, 2024.

It is impossible to capture 95+ years in a few words and all that our mother meant to us and to so many people. Carol collected an eclectic group of friends from all walks of life. She modeled the power of a creative mindset, was a fearless warrior for women’s rights, a true friend to the LGBTQ+ community and the original confidential vault (all secrets were safe with her).

She spent her early years in Racine, Wisconsin. After graduating from Park High School in 1946, Carol worked in Racine and in Denver, Colorado. She married the love of her life, Edward Jack Hodges on May 12, 1951. They were married for 72 years until Ed’s passing in 2022.

At midlife she found her true calling as a watercolor artist, boldly embracing all styles, subjects, and colors. She created most of her art on Washington Island, Wisconsin, where she and Ed shared a treasured summer home. She was active with the Island’s Art and Nature Center and served on its Board of Directors. Carol studied with many prominent Midwest artists, showed her work in Door County galleries, and was proudly featured in juried shows. Carol instilled in her daughters her love of the arts by taking them to everything from local theater to Broadway, with many adventures to art museums and galleries along the way.

Carol was a true trail blazer and champion of women. In the 1970’s she was an active member of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and brought her young daughters to meetings. At a time when a woman could not get a credit card without her husband’s permission, she started an interior design firm and later an estate liquidation business with her best friend Mary Downs.

Carol is survived by her daughters, Alison (Tom) Murphy and Monica (Holly Richard) Hodges, grandchildren Jack Murphy and Indy Tweedell, her beloved sister Judee Dickey, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Ed, parents Edwin and Margaret Andersen and brother Ed Andersen.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Washington Island Art and Nature Center, 1799 Main Road, Washington Island, Wisconsin 54246. A celebration of life will be held this summer on Washington Island. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.