Carol Ann Hyder Memorial Fund

While it’s never easy to lose a loved one, doing something in their memory is a way to ensure their legacy is never forgotten. Michael Hyder established the Carol Ann Hyder Memorial Fund after his wife’s passing for a very simple reason. He loved her very much.

Carol was a lifelong Shelton resident who graduated with honors from St. Mary-St. Michael School and, later, was among Shelton High School’s Class of 1956. It was there that she met Michael, whom she would marry right after high school and proudly became an Army wife. Although she spoke no German, she set up a house in Germany while he was stationed there. Once they returned home years later, Carol worked as a secretary at the Farrel Corporation.

Carol was a woman of great strength and courage. She battled tuberculosis as a young adult, and later diabetes, cancer, and a stroke. Members of her family remember Carol as a giver who always went out of her way to do something nice for her family. She loved to sew, cook, and read, and had a special appreciation for Hallmark movies. Most notably, she loved music and dancing with her beloved husband.

The couple had no children but Carol enjoyed the company of animals, especially her toy poodle named Isabella. Carol and Isabella went everywhere together and, today, the Hyder pup and Michael are now inseparable.

The Carol Ann Hyder Memorial Fund is donor-advised in which Michael would like disbursements from the fund to honor Carol and support causes that were important to her. Because of the strength that she showed in battling her different medical conditions, Michael decided to honor his wife by supporting the Shelton High School scholarship program to a graduating student who has demonstrated strength in facing and conquering adversity and has a strong desire to succeed. After Carol’s passing, Michael has updated his estate plans to further support her fund. Eventually, the fund will become a designated fund to continue to provide support to the scholarship as well as organizations that assist individuals with cancer and/or diabetes.

Michael felt so much love and admiration for his beloved wife, stating “She was the strongest and most intelligent woman I’ve ever met.” He came to believe she was capable of anything and relied on her in many ways. Through this fund at the Valley Community Foundation (VCF), he honors his wife’s perseverance throughout her life and just how special Carol was to him.

Thank you for your interest in the Dr. Carol Merlone Scholarship Fund. To make a secure donation online, please select the button below and you will be directed to a credit card processing form.