Carol Elizabeth Deetjen of Boothbay Harbor passed away at Saint Andrews Village, on March, 30, 2025, at the age of 74, following a courageous battle with cancer. 

Carol was born Aug. 29, 1950 in West Haven, Connecticut to Arthur and Margaret (Cashion) Comber. After a number of years in West Haven, her family moved from West Haven to Kenmore, New York, eventually settling in South Portland, Maine in 1959. Carol graduated from South Portland High School in 1968. 

An aspiring young artist from the start, and inspired by her aunt and sister to pursue a career in education, Carol received her degree in art education from the University of Maine, Portland Campus (now USM), in 1972. It was in college that she met John Deetjen of Portland, and the two were joined in marriage June 10, 1972 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, South Portland. Carol and John settled in the Boothbay region during John’s first year of teaching, eventually settling in Boothbay Harbor, raising three sons, John Jr., William and Robert. 

In 1982, Carol’s dream came true, as she became the K-8 art teacher at Boothbay Region Elementary School. During her 30 years of teaching, she inspired her students to take risks; that life wasn’t worth living if you didn’t put yourself on the line. She became a favorite teacher to so many, and it was a common occurrence for a current or former student to enthusiastically greet her wherever she went. 

Carol was proud of her art, and would frequently give her signature watercolors as gifts to friends and family. Everyone looked forward to receiving her snowman-themed Christmas cards every year. She carried this on even after her cancer diagnosis. 

Carol was an avid reader and lover of both visual and performing arts, and was a season subscriber at Maine State Music Theatre for many years, and even donated her watercolors for their annual auction. 

Carol was a typical “basketball mom” who attended her sons’ games whenever they played. Bobby’s teammates were especially close to her, and would frequently call her “mom.” She was proud of all her sons’ accomplishments as they grew into dedicated husbands and fathers themselves. Whenever her grandchildren had an event, “Mimi” was always there, cheering them on. 

A lifelong Catholic, she was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Our Lady Queen of Peace, where she also served on the parish council, and lent her vocal talents to the church choir, and even sang in a local Christmas cantata one year.

Carol was predeceased by her parents, and her sister Katherine Myrom of Alexandria, Minnesota. She is survived by her loving husband John; her son John Jr. (Joanna); son William (Samantha), grandson Eric and granddaughter Emma; son Robert (Kathryn), grandson Noah and granddaughter Hannah, niece Krista (Matthew) Schroeder and nephew David (Amy) Myrom of Minnesota. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 82 Atlantic Avenue, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, Tuesday, April 8 at 10 a.m., with Father Robert Lupo celebrating. An informal reception will take place in the parish hall afterward. Her interment will take place at a later date. Per the family’s request, there will be no viewing prior to the Mass. Arrangements are through Hall Funeral Home of Boothbay.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maine Health - Lincoln Hospital Infusion Center, 35 Miles Street, Damariscotta, ME, 04543, Attn. Philanthropy Dept. We would like to thank the physicians and nurses and Lincoln Hospital and Saint Andrews Village for their care of Carol, especially during her final days.