Obituary of Caryl VanderMolen

Caryl VanderMolen, 91, longtime Lakewood resident, passed away peacefully, Saturday December 8, 2018, in her home. A native of Lakewood, she was born August 28, 1927, in Jamestown, the daughter of the late Charles and Bertha Jenkins Mullard. She was a 1945 graduate of Lakewood High School and attended Alfred University. Caryl founded Lakewood Furniture Galleries in the late the 1950's and moved it to its current location in the 1960's. She also owned two gift shops in Chautauqua Institute during the 1970's. Caryl continued to provide interior design expertise throughout her life owning, renovating and restoring over 50 houses in Chautauqua County, several of which had historical significance. As a woman of integrity and a change-maker, Caryl was the first female member of the Lakewood Village Board of Trustees as well as the first female member of the Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club. Being recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit she was named as a Woman of Achievement of Chautauqua County. Her civic interests included serving on the Chautauqua County Planning Board and as a member of Creche. She was also a member of St Luke's Episcopal Church, Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, Moon Brook Country Club, the Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club, Chautauqua Women's Club and was the longest member of the Women's Club of Lakewood. Beyond working at the furniture store, from which she never retired, her interests included world travel, gardening, antiques and reading. She was an avid tennis player and a passionate bridge player. Caryl lived her life with grace and style and will be missed by many. Surviving are two children Jon VanderMolen of Lakewood and Nancy VanderMolen of Lancaster, PA. and close extended family. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a brother Charles Mullard, Jr. A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Visitation will not be observed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lakewood Memorial Library, 12 W. Summit St, Lakewood, NY 14750 or Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750. You may leave words of remembrance at www.lindfuneralhome.com.