It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carol Magdalyn (Donoflio) Parent, 81 of Millville. Carol passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in her home surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 25, 1944 in Millville to the late Frank “Mack” and Jean Donoflio. She was raised in Vineland, New Jersey and graduated from Vineland High School in 1962. She married her high school sweetheart William “Jim” James Parent of Millville, where she resided for the past 57+ years.

Carol was a compassionate and caring soul, known for her quick wit, sassy charm, and being the life of the party. She was a breast cancer survivor who continued to always put others first. In her earlier years Carol worked for Sears (even dressing up as Winnie-the-Pooh). She later worked many years at Matlack Pharmacy in Landisville, owned by the late Emmett Kurtz (husband of Carol’s lifelong best friend, Joann Kurtz). Following retirement, Carol worked part-time at the Cape May Zoo, which brought her great joy being around the animals and visitors. Carol was involved in many athletic organizations including Millville Softball/Baseball Leagues & Millville Midget Football League. She was the first woman president of the Jaycee-Ettes Club. She was a devoted parishioner of Saint John Bosco Catholic Church and later, The Parish of All Saints in Millville.

With her famous cowbell, you could always hear “Cowbell” Carol at her children and grandchildren’s sporting events. “Mom-mom” lived for her grandchildren. She would dress up in orange and blue, sing the fight song at football games, and cheer on Millville over Vineland at every game for them. She continued to follow her children and grandchildren in their college years and brought her fun-loving spirit everywhere she went.

Carol loved spending time reading, knitting, watching game shows, eating crabs, playing cards with the girls at card club, and going to the beach. Just as competitive as she was, she won her last “31” card game with her family. She looked forward to her annual summer vacation in Ocean City/Sea Isle City with her cousins/”sisters”, Sandy, Lynn, and Sue for 40 years where family and friends gathered together for life-long memories. Carol loved spending holidays with her family and baking her famous pumpkin pies. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, in which she knitted Christmas bells for her beloved friends and family every year and continued the family tradition of making pizzelles.

Carol is survived by her husband Jim Parent of Millville, brother Larry (Betty) Donoflio of Mount Laurel, a niece, and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents Mack and Jean Donoflio, brother Franklin Donoflio, nephew Christopher Donoflio, and dear friend Jane Sharp.

Carol’s legacy lives on through her three children Brenda (Donald) Groves of Millville, Dawn (Spud) Pfirman of Leesburg, and Jimmy (Kathy) Parent of Millville; eight grandchildren Bryan (Kristin) Pfirman, Jenni (Drew) Johnson, Melanie (Colt) Gibson, Macki (Jeff) Groves-Ronchetti, Katie (Tasker) Robbins, Jamie (Patrick Keller) Parent, Taylor (Chase Farabella) Groves, and Jacob Parent; and nine great-grandchildren Harper, Lucy, Aria, Maverick, Jack, Mason, Landon, Hank, and Lee.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Carol’s life at a viewing on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 8:30 - 10:30 AM at Christy Funeral Home, 11 West Broad Street, Millville, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 AM at The Parish of All Saints, Buck and Depot Streets, Millville, NJ. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Millville, NJ. In lieu of flowers, Carol requested donations in her memory be made to Cape May County Park & Zoo in Cape May Courthouse, NJ. Carol’s family invites you to share your memories and condolences on her tribute wall.

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