Carol Overland Kistler

Carol Overland Kistler, of Penick Village, Southern North Carolina, and formerly of Naples, FL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026. 

Carol was born in Camden, New Jersey, and grew up in Haddon Heights, New Jersey, the daughter of the late Walter and Mary Marlin Overland. She spent her entire public school life in Haddon Heights, where she formed lifelong friendships and embraced school life with enthusiasm. In high school, she was captain of the field hockey team, treasurer of her class, and an active participant in student government and social activities. 

After graduating, Carol attended Rider College in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. She began her professional life in the secretarial field and later worked as a dental office coordinator. Her true passion emerged when she entered the real estate profession, specializing in prime properties in Monmouth County, New Jersey, where she built a successful and rewarding career. 

Carol raised her children, Meredith Gaffney of Branford, Connecticut, and Thomas Gaffney of Seattle, Washington, in the Monmouth County area. Throughout her life, she maintained a deep love of sports, especially golf. She was a champion at her local club, Beacon Hill, and a member of several golfing country clubs. Carol cherished her trips to Pinehurst, North Carolina, where she attended golf schools conducted by Peggy Kirk Bell at Pine Needles. 

While living in South Jersey, Carol met the man who would become her husband, Bill Kistler. Together  they built a life filled with love, travel, friendships and family, spending winters in Florida and summers in Pinehurst, North Carolina. They were members and residents of the Naples Heritage Golf and Country Club in Naples, Florida, where they shared many happy years. 

In 2022, Carol and Bill chose North Carolina as their permanent home, moving into a cottage at the continuing care retirement community of Penick Village. 

Carol is survived by her brother Bud Gaffney and her sister Margaret Ravoni, her son Thomas, her daughter Meredith, and three grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving husband Bill Kistler; his three children who have become an intricate part of her family; son Glenn and daughters Wendy McDermott and Leslie Langford: and their six grandchildren. Carol and Bill also adored their four great grandchildren.

Carol will be remembered for her warmth, her love of family and friends, her competitive spirit, and her ability to bring people together wherever she lived.. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Hutchins Hall at Penick Village. 

Memorials may be made to: Penick Village, Inc., 500 E. Rhode Island Ave., Southern Pines, NC 28387. 

Online condolences may be made at: PinesFunerals.com. 

Service entrusted to: Powell Funeral Home, Aberdeen, NC.