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Obituaries
Carol Guidice McCalester
Carol Guidice McCalester, of Newport News, VA, passed away on August 7, 2024, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer at the age of 71.
She was born in Wilmington, Delaware, to James and Rebecca Guidice. Carol graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in Wilmington before getting her Bachelor of Science from Longwood College (Farmville, VA) and becoming an educator. She had a passion for math that she brought with her to each school: St. Helena’s (Wilmington, DE), Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Newport News, VA), and finally Newport News Public Schools. She relished her summers off and could be found for many years by the pool, still educating with swimming lessons. A few summers were sacrificed to work with the state of Virginia on the Standards of Learning for Math. Carol’s education efforts were rewarded not just by being honored as Teacher of the Year but by all of the students who remembered her long after they graduated. Her love of teaching was sometimes overshadowed by the love and attention she gave to the students and the fact that she could recall their names and achievements long after they were in her class.
Outside of school, Carol loved spending time at home with her family, especially the “furry” members. She loved all animals, but her dogs always had a special place in her heart. Carol leaves behind her two pups, Talley and Remington.
She is survived by her husband, Robert, and daughters Jessica Tiedeken (Andy Holsomback), Angie (Nathan) Sutton, and Heather (Blake) Baker. She was a beloved Nana to her granddaughters Shelby Sutton and Shea Baker; a wonderful sister to her siblings Barbara Sowden, Judie (David) Baldini, and Jim (Theresa) Guidice; and a cherished Aunt to nieces Diana, Kate, Steff, and Kim.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for September 7, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA. Please consider a donation to your local animal shelter or to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.
5 Comments
Carol was one of my teammates at Dozier (Ella Fitzgerald now). She was always making us laugh! She was a wonderful math teacher to so many kids. Prayers for strength and comfort through this time of immense grief.
Mrs. McCalester was my 6th grade math teacher at Dozier! She was so nice but definitely kept us rowdy kids in line. Sending prayers to her family.💗
I had the privilege of being a teammate and friend of Carol’s at Dozier Middle School. She was a wonderful and caring person to everyone. She often spoke of her love for her family, also. Please know that I have been praying for her family.
I don’t even know where to begin to describe the amazing woman who was like a second mom to me growing up. Jessica, you were the very first friend I ever made in my life. Angie and Heather, your family is so special to us because your dad was my dad’s best friend. My mom and Carol were so close for so many years. My heart aches so deeply for all of you. I am so sorry I won’t be able to make the service as Texas is a distance away but know that I am sending you all of my love and prayers. Carol was an incredible teacher, friend, mother, and wife and she will truly be missed.
Carol was a wonderful teacher and lived her kids at school and adored her “home” family! She was always smiling and had a great sense of humor! Prayers for Carol’s family.