Carolyn Carr

Fortunate are those who knew Carolyn Carr. A remarkable woman of faith and fortitude, she left her mark in the world in numerous ways. While some go through the motions of life, Carolyn lived it completely and fully, and made a difference in the lives of many with her gentle and caring spirit. Upon meeting her, it was easy to feel her compassionate warmth and kindness. Not only did she offer comfort to others, but she made others feel comfortable. Now gone from love's embrace, her heart lives on.

Born on April 23, 1953, Carolyn was the daughter of Harold and Bessie Shaw. Times were changing in the U.S. during this time as the decade of the 1950s sculpted the culture of America. Everything from music to movies, art and media, to beloved comic strips and cartoons introduced a whole new way of life. With manufacturing and home construction on the rise, the economy boomed, yet clashes between communism and capitalism dominated the decade with the ever present threat of the Cold War.

Raised in the suburban city of Oak Forest, Illinois, Carolyn grew up with her older sister, Phylis, and twin brother, Carroll. Her father supported their family working for the railroad, while her mother was a busy housekeeper.

As a young girl, Carolyn shared the friendships of many. Even from a young age, her kind and sweet spirit, and zest for life, shone bright. She loved swimming and became a certified life guard. With a passion for horses, Carolyn felt certain serenity when riding or in the presence of these beautiful creatures. She even worked at an area Dog 'n Suds to support her beloved horse. She attended the local schools, and went on to graduate from Tinley Park High School with the Class of 1971.

In 1972, at 19, Carolyn was driving with her brother and some friends as passengers when they were hit head-on by another car. Although the auto accident spared their lives, Carolyn suffered a broken neck and a leg broken in two places. Brave, resilient and foremost, determined, she never gave up, even though she remained on 24 hour care for the following four months. It was somewhat of a turning point for her, and she came to have a greater appreciation for life, and all it had to offer.

With her love of horses, Carolyn remained involved with them well into her twenties and rode reigning horses with a top quarter horse trainer. In 2005, she had the opportunity to travel to California with friends to see Shelia Varian, who had recently been inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Carolyn knew of Shelia, as she was a legend for her accomplishments working with western horses. In fact, she paved the way for women in the early 70s when she won the open competition at the California Cow Palace. It was most definitely a man's game, and when Shelia rode in on her little Arabian mare against all the quarter horses, she made a name for herself and her mare when they went on to win. Carolyn appreciated and looked up to Sheila for her love of horses, the competitive sport, and her tenacity.

Carolyn worked in many capacities over the years. For a time she worked in the office at Montgomery Ward and at a car dealership, and even drove a semi-truck for a while. She served as a bartender and waitress, and also worked for an area horse trainer cooling down the horses after workouts. She eventually found her niche and workplace home at CSL Behring, a research and development company which manufactures and markets plasma biotherapies to save and improve the quality of life for people with rare and serious diseases. It was in Carolyn's nature to give, and through her work, she played a vital role making life more meaningful and beneficial for others.

Working at CSL Behring was more than a place to earn a living for Carolyn. Throughout her over 20 years there, she became a cherished friend to many co-workers. She will be remembered for her kind and thoughtful ways, especially the many beautiful baby blankets she handmade for those celebrating the birth of new baby. Talented and creative, she always put forth her best whenever she gave from her heart one of her thoughtful and priceless handmade gifts. Giving was a natural part of who Carolyn was. In time she ventured on a new course in her life. She studied and trained to become a spiritual healer, and eventually opened Higher Ground Ministries. Her calling in this area brought compassion, understanding, peace and joy to countless people in need of help, hope and affirmation.

The house which brought Carolyn the greatest joy was the farm she called home for the last 15 years. Near Woodward, she was extremely proud of it and worked very hard making it all she imagined it could be. She installed her own square wooden fence posts and built the wood rail fence by hand. Never afraid of hard work, she loaded and unloaded the hay by herself, as well. Along with horses, she also loved dogs. Luke, her chocolate lab, was her favorite.

Carolyn always spent the holidays with her sister, Phylis and her family along with her friend, Debbie Taylor and her children where memorable times were enjoyed by all. With her extra special touch, Carolyn always took the extra effort to make the holidays enjoyable and perfect. Dinners and family gatherings were always her favorite. The very best of friends for 42 years, there wasn't much she and Debbie didn't know about one another, if anything! Together they enjoyed seeing the sights in Mexico, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy, and gleaned much from their travels. Carolyn also loved the open spaces out west and traveled to those destinations whenever she had the opportunity. An avid reader, she favored westerns and mysteries, along with movies.

For several years, Carolyn suffered from leukemia. Although the disease grew ever intense and took its toll, she never allowed it to dampen her positive outlook, especially her inner, spiritually strong soul who loved with all her heart. Carolyn Carr was a remarkable woman who made a difference in the lives of many. She was one of those special people who come into our lives, and we're never the same for having known and loved her. Fondly remembered, she will remain a special part of the many lives she touched in her genuine and generous ways. Sadly, at the age of 58, Carolyn Carr, of Milford, Illinois, lost her battle with leukemia on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at the University of Chicago Hospital.

She is survived by her sister, Phyllis Sinks of Oak Forest, Illinois; her twin brother, Carroll Carr of Bourbonnais, Illinois; dear friend, Debbie Taylor of Gilman, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A gathering time for family and friends to celebrate Carolyn's life will take place Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 1:00 PM until the time of the funeral service at 7:00 PM at the Bourbonnais Chapel of Schreffler Funeral Homes, 1100 N. Convent St., Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914 (815) 929-1401. Burial will take place at Griggsville Cemetery on Friday, March 16, 2012. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Leukemia Society are appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory and photo of Carolyn with her family and to sign her online guest book.