In Memory
Carol Laich
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carol Laich, age 79, on December 8, 2025, in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Born on September 2, 1946, in Bristol, Virginia, to the late Raymond and Mary (née Gobble) Powell, Carol was a loving mother, devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, cherished sister, aunt, and a treasured friend whose warmth touched the lives of all who knew her.
Carol dedicated her career to the education of young minds, serving as an Aide with the Bensalem School District for over 30 years.
Outside of her professional life, Carol embraced creativity and found joy in many hobbies, especially art. She loved spending time with her “grandbabes,” crafting, drawing, reading, exploring nature, and visiting zoos and museums—anything that encouraged learning and curiosity. Family dinners and game nights were among her greatest pleasures, and her love of board games brought everyone together. She especially enjoyed showing off her trivia skills.
Some of Carol’s fondest memories were made during trips “down home” to Virginia, where she reconnected with her roots and created new moments with her loved ones. She often spoke lovingly of her family, her childhood, and the many good times she cherished.
After suffering a massive stroke in 2019, Carol faced her recovery with remarkable strength and determination. Though confined to a wheelchair, she refused to let her circumstances define her.
Carol is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Michael Borgmann; her son, Gerard P. Laich Jr.; her daughter and son-in-law, Virginia and Michael Martinelli; her brother, Charles Powell; her sister and brother-in-law, Terri and Kenny Wilson; her grandchildren, Candace (Gary), Michael (Helen), and Josh (Christina); and her great-grandchildren, Carolyn, Robert, and Josh Jr. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Gerard P. Laich III, and her brother, Scott.
In this time of sorrow, may we find comfort in remembering Carol’s generous heart and the love she shared so freely. Her memory will forever remain in our hearts.
Services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Helping the Homeless Ministries 7040 George Washington Memorial Hwy Gloucester, VA 23061. https://helpingthehomelessministries.org/
Richard B. Miller (1964)
I'm so sorry to hear about Carol. I knew her in her younger years as one of the kids from the bus stop at Terry's Trailer Park on Bristol Road. She was always assertive and confident and was a real sweeheart. Several of the kids from the park came up from the South, but she had the best accent--at least she did back in those days. It seems impossible that it could be almost 70 years, but I remember very well having a "singing contest" in Mr. Ware's 5th grade class at Cornwells Elementary, which she won for the girls' side, singing Jamaica Farewell. She had a really nice voice even at that age. Tommy Tomlinson won for the boys with the Marines' Hymn. I lost touch after I moved out of the area, but I will always consider Bensalem and the people I grew up with to be my actual high school. Terrible to lose another old friend.