ROCKPORT — Carolyn L. Mank, 91, died peacefully, Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the Highlands in Topsham. Born in Thomaston, May 21, 1933, she was the daughter of Irving and Evelyn Hamilton Lufkin. Educated in Warren Schools, she was a 1951 graduate of Warren High School.

As a young woman, Carolyn was a member of the Warren Baptist Church, a leader of the 4-H Club, a member of the Eager Beavers and worked at both the Knox Hospital and Van Baalens.

On June 11, 1955, Carolyn married the love of her life, Elwin Stanley Mank of Appleton. Together they moved to Bangor where Elwin attended Husson College. During this time Carolyn worked at Armour and Company to help support her husband while he was in school. Following his graduation in 1957, the couple moved to New Jersey.

Settling in New Jersey, Carolyn and Elwin welcomed three children into their family, Terry, Cindy and Jeffrey. Once her children entered school, Carolyn went to work for the Bridgwater School System. First as a Teacher’s Assistant and then with the Special Education Program, working in the Resource Room. For a total of 14 years she poured her heart and soul into teaching, loving every minute of it, and becoming attached to the children like they were her own.

Throughout her husband’s career with Union Carbide Corporation, the family lived twice in New Jersey, as well as in Illinois, West Virginia and Ohio. After retirement, having been away from Maine for 37 years, they returned to their beloved State in 1992. Carolyn continued to stay busy, as a member of the West Rockport Baptist Church, Rockport Garden Club and the New Comers’s Club. Tending to the needs of her family as a homemaker made her happiest, and she loved nothing more than spending time with her six grandchildren. In her down time, she enjoyed reading, working in the gardens, canning and traveling.

She will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, Elwin, and her daughter, Cindy; Carolyn is survived by her sons, Terry Mank and his wife Deborah, Jeffrey Mank and his wife Donna; son-in-law Rick Ross; and her six grandchildren, Justin Mank and Lauren Stilwell, Ryan and Alyson Mank, Colin Mank, Michael Ross, Steven and Jane Ross, and Katie and Jonathon Pritt; and great granddaughter Rosie Ross.

Family and friends are invited to visit Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of her life will follow at 11 a.m. She will be laid to rest privately at Pine Grove Cemetery in Appleton.

To share a memory or condolence with the Mank family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.