Kathleen L. Paulsen

Forever Known and Loved as Kathy Carroll

July 26, 1963 – October 10, 2026

Kathleen L. Paulsen, better known to just about everyone as Kathy Carroll, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026, at the age of 63. She leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, unforgettable memories, and more friends than anyone could possibly count.

Born on July 26, 1963, in Chester, Pennsylvania, Kathy was the daughter of Richard “Dick” and Gertrude Carroll, who both preceded her in death. She grew up in Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, and went on to earn her Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Bachelor of Science in Administration from the College of Boca Raton, now known as Lynn University.

Kathy eventually made her home in North Wildwood, New Jersey. During her first marriage to Adam Youschak, she welcomed her two children, Eric and Kaci, who would forever be two of her greatest sources of pride. She later found love again with John Paulsen, and twelve years ago, fulfilled her lifelong dream of trading the Jersey Shore for the Florida sunshine, making Cape Coral their home.

For many along the Jersey Shore, Kathy was a familiar face. Whether she was serving guests at local restaurants or simply enjoying time with friends, she had a way of making everyone feel right at home. What started as a quick conversation often turned into a friendship that lasted for years.

If you knew Kathy Carroll, you knew there was truly nobody quite like her.

Kathy had a larger-than-life personality, an unforgettable laugh, and a way of making complete strangers feel like lifelong friends. Her home was everyone's home, and she wouldn't have had it any other way. Whether you needed a hot meal, a place to stay, a shoulder to lean on, or simply somewhere to hang out, her door was always open. Once you became part of Kathy's world, you were family.

Of course, anyone who knew Kathy also knew she had a little fire in her. She was feisty, stubborn, outspoken, and never shy about telling you exactly what she thought. You didn't always have to ask for her opinion to get it, either! She could give you a piece of her mind one minute and the shirt off her back the next. But that was Kathy. She loved fiercely, stood her ground, and was unapologetically herself.

That same stubborn streak was part of what made her such a fighter. Kathy faced more than her fair share of challenges throughout her life, but she met them with incredible strength and determination. Even during her hardest days, she somehow managed to find a reason to smile and continued to give so much love to the people around her.

And if there was one thing Kathy knew how to do, it was enjoy life!

Some of her happiest moments were spent on the water aboard their beloved “Tooner,” riding motorcycles, traveling, soaking up the Florida sunshine, or simply being surrounded by good company. Give Kathy a backyard BBQ, some good food, music playing, and a group of friends ready to laugh, and she was right where she wanted to be. She never needed a special occasion to celebrate life. For Kathy, it wasn't about what you were doing, but who you were doing it with.

Above all else, Kathy loved her family fiercely and wholeheartedly. She was incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren, and if you spent any time talking to her, chances are you heard all about them.

Kathy leaves behind her beloved husband, John Paulsen; her children, Eric (Kelliann) Youschak and Kaci (Kendall) Youschak; her cherished grandchildren, Vada-Rae and Killian; her brother, Ricky Carroll; and her beloved four-legged companion, Casper. She also leaves behind her extended Youschak family, with whom she shared a lifelong bond and countless cherished memories.

Kathy's legacy isn't measured by the years she lived, but by the countless lives she touched along the way. It's in the friendships that began with a simple conversation, the people who always knew they had a place at her table, and the laughter shared around a backyard BBQ.

Although saying goodbye is never easy, we know Kathy wouldn't want everyone sitting around being sad. She'd want the stories told, the laughter shared, the music playing, and everyone gathered together celebrating the good times. And knowing Kathy, she'd probably have a thing or two to say about how everyone was doing it!

So the next time you find yourself surrounded by good friends, sharing a meal, laughing a little too loudly, or enjoying a beautiful day on the water, raise a glass to Kathy Carroll. Remember her with a smile, tell one of those stories that never gets old, and, most importantly, make room for one more at the table.

Because that's exactly what Kathy would have done.

Memorial Service & Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kathy's life onTuesday, October 20, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, at Baldwin Brothers in Cape Coral, Florida, off Nicholas Parkway.

A luncheon will follow the memorial service, giving everyone an opportunity to gather, share their favorite Kathy stories, and celebrate the wonderful memories she leaves behind. The luncheon time and location will be announced.

A separate Celebration of Life will also be held in New Jersey at a later date, allowing family and friends in both places she called home to come together in her honor.

In true Kathy Carroll fashion, come with a favorite memory, a good story, and a smile. After all, Kathy never needed an excuse to bring people together, and we can't think of a better way to honor her than by doing just that.