Carolyn K Whitman

Carolyn K. Whitman of Southport, Connecticut died peacefully at home on June 17, 2024. Raised in Forest Hills Gardens, New York, Carolyn was the daughter of Dr. Movses Koumrian, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide who became a prominent local physician and Dorothy Sprower Koumrian, a nurse. Despite the difficulties of her childhood, she fondly recalled her early years as rich with humor, love of music, and a strong ethic of helping those in need. As a girl she would accompany her father as he made his rounds at the hospital. These early experiences helped shape her passion for bringing healing to people facing life’s challenges, and she became known for her compassionate, listening ear among friends, neighbors and eventually, clients. Carol also drew strength from her Christian faith, and both attended and served in Congregational churches throughout her life.

An eager student, Carolyn earned a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in English from Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. During a summer in South Jamesport on Long Island’s East End, she met Charles Whitman, her future husband. They married in 1950 and soon settled in Garden City to raise their five children, returning to Jamesport for many summer vacations and to enjoy life-long friendships. She loved family life in Garden City, and was active in the community. Her home was always a special place of welcome for friends and neighbors.

In 1975, Carol fulfilled a lifelong ambition to become a psychotherapist when she returned to Adelphi to earn her MSW. After a move with Charlie and their youngest son to Cleveland, she joined a wide-ranging therapy practice at Fairview General Hospital and precepted medical residents as Behavioral Science faculty at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She pursued post-graduate studies at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland as well as the Institute for the Study of Psychotherapy and earned numerous other certifications in her field. She and her husband returned to the East Coast in the 1990s, at which time Carol enjoyed a new role at Fairfield University as supervisor of candidates for certification in marriage and family therapy.

For nearly 50 years, Carolyn took great joy in helping clients find peace and fulfillment in their journey through life. She reluctantly retired at the age of ninety-two due to her health.

Carol was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her five children, Dr. Deborah Whitman of Jamaica Plain, MA, Corey Whitman of New Canaan, CT, Paul Whitman of Norwalk, CT, Rev. Candace Whitman of East Hampton, NY, and Dr. Charles Whitman of High Point, NC, as well as five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, her sister Jeanne, and her brother Paul. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 9 at 2:00 PM at the Southport Congregational Church which may be livestreamed here.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Armenian Missionary Association of America, 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 or to the Southport Congregational Church, 524 Pequot Ave., Southport, CT 06890.