Carolyn Rappazzo Obituary

Dear Gus, and John: I grew up with Carolyn in West University from first grade at West University Elementary until we graduated from Lamar, and ever so often at reunions through the years. We were in the Brownies together. I remember her mother taking us places in her big Chrysler sedan. One time it broke down along side a railroad track, and we all got out of the car to change the tire. As little girls will, we ran around and played on the tracks. A train came along, and we nearly gave Mrs. Schill a heart attack for playing too close to the track. Another memory I have is the time Carolyn and Mrs. Schill invited me to go to the Seabrook cottage they had during World War II. My Daddy was gone to the Pacific, and I didn't get to do much during that time. Mrs. Schill would read us a part of the book about the Flying Tigers every night, and I was fascinated with the story. We went crabbing and Mrs. Schill cooked the crabs. They were the best I had ever had. Carolyn has been a part of my life from the beginning, and I am so sad that she has passed on. She was always a good friend. I am sorry I could not be there for her memorial. I just found out about it on Tuesday. My love to all of the family. Sue Creekmore Noble

Carolyn and I attended Lamar High School together in 1953. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Carol Parks

I knew Carolyn since around 1987, when we were in the same sunday school class at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. (Even though Carolyn was active with her home church downtown, she found the time to join our sunday school class also). Carolyn was always friendly to newcomers and took an active part in making sure there were frequent social activities. After our sunday school class disbanded around 1998, Carolyn was the leader in helping to make sure the regular social activities continued and for a long time, she facilitated finding hostesses/hosts for parties almost every month. It was not until Carolyn's health failed in the last two years or so, that she ceased taking such an active role.

Carolyn and I would meet for lunch every two months or so and I was always struck by how many people she knew and how much she knew about each person. When we went to Luby's, she knew all about the nice lady who refilled our glasses, and could tell me about her family. She treated this nice lady as a friend and always left a tip. Carolyn also could tell you all about the family of the man who used to cut her yard, and about the lady who often helped Carolyn with parties and helped clean when Carolyn was unable to take care of herself. It is true I often strained to remember who Carolyn was talking about when she moved from one person to another in conversation, but remained impressed that she cared enough to remember so much about all these people with whom she interacted. This seemed to grow out of a genuine interest in and concern for others.

Of course one of Carolyn's favorite topics of conversation was her two grandsons - Carolyn loved to relate some cute, clever thing they had said or done. Having met them at a Christmas party when Carolyn still lived on Buffalo Speedway, I could always tell why she was so proud! (Am sure that her newest grandchild is just as adorable.)

Wishing Carolyn peace wherever she is now. Condolences to the family.



With love

Lisa Milam

Dear John, Gus, Kay, Mary and Stephen:

I'm sorry I can't be there. I know we'll all miss Carolyn very much. My love to all of you.

Dear John,

Your mother was a gracious,generous woman and my daughter Suzanne and I remember her and you well. We enjoyed your company at Central Congregational.

God bless you and your family.

Sincerely, Joyce