Carol J. Fehnel, 81, of Palmer Township passed away peacefully Friday, January 26, 2024, at Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth. Born August 20, 1942, in Easton, she was the daughter of the late Carl Sr. and Madeline Woolf Raub. She grew up on the family farm and, as a young girl, was delighted to have won a Miss Milk Maid pageant! Growing up on the homestead cultivated a deep sense of values that would guide Carol throughout her life.

Carol's heart found its match in Clarence Fehnel, with whom she shared 50 years of marriage until his passing in 2014. Together, they built a life not just for themselves, but for the generations to follow.

She was a graduate of Wilson High School, Class of 1960. Subsequently she attended and graduated from Cosmetology school, becoming a licensed beautician. For a few years she worked at Hess's beauty salon, in Allentown, until her focus shifted to raising her children. Carol embraced the role of homemaker with grace and tenacity. When out and about, she always presented a meticulous appearance with style, blending simplicity with a hint of refinement. While in the home, Carol relied on skills handed down to her. She prepared canned goods from the fruits and vegetables off the land, and she excelled at cooking and baking. Often she could be found outdoors, helping with farm work, working in the garden, or mowing the grass "in a certain, and specific manner." In so many ways, Carol found life to be fulfilling but it was love and dedication to her family that mattered most.

She was a long-time member of St. James Lutheran Church in Phillipsburg and, for many years, belonged to the Eastern Star.

Undoubtedly, those who knew her recognized how strong her will and determination were. She was the cornerstone and matriarch of the Fehnel farming family, working tirelessly alongside her husband. Her hands-on approach and keen insight were instrumental in nurturing the growth and success of the family business. Carol's legacy lives on through her family.

She will be dearly missed by sons, Gary and his wife Melissa of Palmer Township, Scott and his wife Pamela of Lower Nazareth, Stephen and his wife Rachelle of Plainfield Township; 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; Amanda Klein and husband Jacob and their children, Ava, Tessa, Mila, and Cason; Lauren Drake and husband Michael and their children, Mason, Logan, and Owen; Audra Wilson and husband Ryan and their children, Xander, and Leah; Rebecca Geronikos and husband James and their child Thea; Thomas Fehnel and wife Megan and their child Taylor; and Carol's youngest grandchild, Hank Fehnel; she also leaves behind a brother, Anderson Raub and his wife Viola, and sister in-law, Vickie Raub. Carol was predeceased by her twin brother, Carl T. Raub II, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond.

Relatives and friends are invited to Schmidt Funeral Home, 407 Belvidere St., Nazareth, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, for a viewing from 10-11am and a funeral service beginning at 11am. Carol will be laid to rest in Forks Cemetery, Stockertown.