Formerly of Wilmington- Carol Owens Halligan, 83, passed away peacefully at home in Hendersonville, NC on April 2, 2021.
Carol was a secretary for Delcastle Vo-Tech HS, retiring after 30 years. She and her first husband, Paul Owens, created the establishment of SARDET Auxiliary Coast Guard Base in Wilmington, DE to assist in water patrol and safety between Philadelphia and Baltimore. In 2000, the building was dedicated with an “Owens Building” plaque in honor of their services. She became a highly decorated officer in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. A few of her many awards include Commander’s award (1987), Transportation 9-11 Ribbon (2001), Certificate of Appreciation in Anti-terrorism Taskforce (2002), USCG Auxillary Merritorious Service Medal for superior performance in saving the lives of a family of five (2007), USCG Auxiliary Achievement Medal (2013).
Carol remarried retired Airforce Lieutenant Colonel, John Halligan, in 2007. Together, they continued to volunteer with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary base. In their spare time, they would often be found with Mai Tais in Hawaii, their ultimate paradise. After retiring from the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2016, Carol and John moved to North Carolina to relax and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Carol is survived by her husband, John Halligan, after 13 years of marriage; daughters, Karen Milich (Keith), Katie Alexander (Fred) and Diane Fernandes (Rob); sister, Diane Henderson; eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.
Carol was preceded in death by her first husband Paul Owens of Wilmington, DE; father, Walter Bishoff and mother Winifred Bishoff of Wilmington, DE.
Visitation: 10:00 am – 11:00 am Friday, April 16th, McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE, Services will be held in accordance with the current health directives, wearing masks, social distancing and capacity requirements. Internment: 11:30 am Friday, April 16th, Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle, followed by luncheon at the Elsmere Fire Hall, 1107 Kirkwood Highway, Elsmere, 12:30 – 2:30 pm.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice or to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 04-09, www.cgauxa.org/donate.html
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
