Carol Briggs Gartland, 58 of Allentown, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2014. Born in Trenton, she was a lifetime Allentown resident and a 1973 graduate of Allentown High School. She was a loving wife, caring mother, cherished daughter and grandmother and was devoted to her family.

Carol spent much of her time caring for her grandchildren whom she adored. She did everything and anything for her boys ("Jack" and "Joey") and will be forever missed. From candy and fruit snacks to digging in the dirt, she made sure they always had an amazing time and spoiled them tremendously. She touched the lives of many people with her smile and loud laugh. Carol loved gardening, photography, the beach, and having a good time with family and friends.

Carol is survived by her husband of 31 years, John Gartland; her son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Jill Gartland of Hightstown; two grandsons, Jackson and Joseph Gartland; her father and his companion, Owen H. Briggs Sr. and Margaret Murphy; a brother and sister-in-law, Owen H. Jr. and Nancy Briggs of Allentown; three nieces and their husbands, Megan and Jason Nowak, Laura and Anthony Princiotta and Julie and Paul McGowan; great nephew and nieces, Patrick, Makayla, Isabella and Noelle; her aunt, Irene Wiley; her lifelong best friend and "sister", Carol Muench; many longtime friends and extended family; her group of "kids", especially Jonathan Carhart; and her much-loved dog, Baby.

Funeral service will be held 11:30 am on Tuesday, May 13th at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St. Allentown. Interment will follow in Allentown Methodist Cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 4-8pm and again Tuesday from 10am until the time of service at the funeral home. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her or supported them over the last six months. Donations may be made to The Joan Dancy & PALS (People with ALS) Foundation, Riverview Medical Center, 1 Riverview Plaza, PO Box 8157, Red Bank, NJ 07701.