Obituary: Carol Ann Goodridge Wells
Carol Ann Goodridge Wells, 76, of Brunswick, passed away on April 17, 2026, after a brief illness.
Born in Lewiston on March 16, 1950, Carol was the daughter of Mary Lou (Theberge) and Ernest Goodridge of Lisbon Falls. She grew up in Portland, graduating from Deering High School in 1968. That summer she married Richard “Dick” Wells in Portland, and in 1973 the couple moved to Windham, where they raised their son, David, and daughter, Deanne.
Carol’s passion for classic automobiles led her to found the Downeast Chevy Classics Car Club. The club became a fixture on Friday‑night cruises down Congress Street and organized weekend shows and cruise‑ins throughout New England, drawing enthusiasts of all ages. She was also a proud Forever Member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, reflecting her lifelong commitment to community and mentorship.
Over the years, Carol worked in a variety of roles—as a cook, a receptionist, and later as the owner of a home‑based daycare while her children were in school. Colleagues and friends remember her as fiercely independent, outspoken, and always ready with a warm conversation.
Beyond her professional life, Carol was an avid animal lover and delighted in caring for her many four‑legged companions, including her cat, Pepper. She was known for her love of muscle cars, her enthusiasm for holiday celebrations—particularly Christmas—and her generosity at gatherings, where she often brought homemade treats for friends and family.
She is survived by her son, David Shawn Wells, and his partner, Amy Brewer, both of Brunswick; her daughter, Deanne Nicole (Ray) Carr, and her husband Tommy Carr, of Norway, Maine; a granddaughter, Gabrielle; three grandsons, Nathan, Darian, and Evan; six great‑grandchildren; her sister, Beverly Miller of North Carolina; and her brothers, Steve Goodridge of Windham and Eric “Ric” Goodridge of Portland. She also leaves behind her best friend, Joan Puterbaugh. Carol’s sister Beverly passed away unexpectedly just weeks after her own death, a loss felt deeply by the family.
A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at a later date, where friends and relatives will have the opportunity to share memories and honor her legacy of community, compassion, and classic‑car enthusiasm.
