Carol Gerstley, a civic activist

Carol Kaffenburgh Gerstley, 94, of Huntingdon Valley, a leader in civic activities, died Tuesday, March 29, at Abington Memorial Hospital.

For more than 40 years, Mrs. Gerstley served on the Women's Committee of the Philadelphia Orchestra, assisting with fund-raising events.

"Carol was one of the orchestra's most selfless volunteers, and her generosity and willingness to step in wherever she was needed was so impressive," said Doris Frankel, past president of the volunteer committees of the orchestra. "She took great pride in keeping our Philadelphia Orchestra great."

Mrs. Gerstley was former chairman of the advisory committee of the Northwest District of Jewish Family Services. In the 1960s, she was the first woman to be a division chairman for United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, her daughter Virginia M. Gerstley said.

An active member of Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia, Mrs. Gerstley donated to its recent renovation of the main sanctuary.

Despite personal tragedies, she continued her civic work, her daughter said. Mrs. Gerstley's son David died in a car crash in 1975, and her husband, William, died in 1981 after a long illness.

William Gerstley, an investment broker, had been on the board of the Louis N. Cassett Foundation, which funds educational and cultural organizations. After his death, his wife took his place on the board and until recently attended meetings on grant allocations, their daughter said.

Mrs. Gerstley was a patron of the Abington Library, where a room is dedicated to the memory of David and William.

She also lost a 13-month-old son, Carl. A third son, William III, died in 2005.

A native of Brookline, Mass., Mrs. Gerstley earned an associate's degree from Harcum College. She and her husband married in 1937. She met him through his cousin, whom she had been dating.

The couple raised their family in Elkins Park and Rydal.

They traveled in Europe and Asia, including to China, and more than 40 years ago went on an African safari. After her husband's death, she traveled often on tours sponsored by the World Affairs Council, including to Morocco.

As a youth, Mrs. Gerstley loved tennis and played golf at the Philmont Country Club.

She was close to her nieces and nephews and her great-nieces and -nephews, her daughter said.

Mrs. Gerstley is survived by her daughter.

A funeral will be at noon Friday, April 1, at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 N. Broad St. Burial will be in Mount Sinai Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Carol K. Gerstley Educational Resources Fund, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Suite 16, 260 S. Broad St., Philadelphia 19102.