Carol Ann Gould (Meekhof), formerly of Grand Rapids, Mich. and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, died on Wednesday, Sept. 16, in Springhill, Fla. She was born July 5, 1939, in Coopersville, Michigan. Carol fought a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Early in her professional career, Carol worked in fashion and enjoyed retail positions in retail with Houseman’s, Jacobson’s, The Mulberry Bush (Grand Rapids, Mich.), The Spanish Main (St. Croix) and Neiman-Marcus (Beverly Hills, Calif.). A woman of many sporting interests, she learned to sail on Lake Michigan, and loved the outdoors. She attained her 100-ton Masters Captains license and set sail for the Virgin Islands. After sailing her 41′ Islander for nine months and 9,000 miles from California, through the Panama Canal, up the chain and into the Port of Christiansted, St. Croix, Cruzan Lady Yacht Charters was launched. The next five years, Cruzan Lady sailed extensively throughout the Caribbean. Her boat and charter business were destroyed in 1989 by Hurricane Hugo, but her love for the seas continued to the end of her life.
She was owner and travel agent of Tranberg Travel on St. Croix. Again, sharing her love of travel and chartering with clients, "Cruzan Lady" loved new experiences and helping others discover the world. An avid reader, Carol carried a book with her everywhere and loved the works of Stuart Woods and James Patterson. She enjoyed puzzles, chocolate and Barbara Streisand.
Most important in Carol’s life were her grandchildren: Christopher, Stuart and Blake Hotwagner, and Peter and Elise Gibson. She found great joy watching them participate in sports, music and art.
She is survived by her loving children, Robert Gibson and his wife, Karen; daughter, Susan Hotwagner and her husband, Tom; her mother, Esther Kanipe; brothers; David H. Meekhof and his wife, Sandy; Richard Meekhof and his wife, Gay; Robert J. Meekhof and his wife, Gail; and sister, Donna Stepheson and her husband, Mike. Carol had many nieces, nephews and extended family that she loved very much. She was preceded in death by her father, Harry Meekhof.
Carol’s special Deep End friends will toast her life on Oct. 3. Memorial contributions may be made to the HPH Hospice, 12107 Majestic Blvd. Hudson, Fla. 34661. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.Turnerfuneralandcremation.com
