Service measured not by GOLD,
                           but by the GOLDEN RULE

Service measured not by GOLD,
          but by the GOLDEN RULE

330.262.7771

Carolyn Lee Watkins Kearney, 82, of Wooster, passed away suddenly on March 3rd.  She was born to David and Winifred “Dolly” Watkins on January 27th, 1941 in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

She graduated from Wilson College in Chambersburg PA and earned a Masters degree in Social Work from Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

She married Walter Kearney on June 18th, 1966, and celebrated 56 years of marriage.

She was a lifelong reader of books with a keen interest in children’s literature.  She particularly loved mystery novels, had a large collection of alphabet books and was a long-term member of the AAUW Book Group.  She spent 15 fulfilling years as a librarian at Kean Elementary School.

Her many loves included cats, playing bridge, traveling, Monet and other Impressionist art, a good champagne, sunset on the beach, opera, musicals, Masterpiece Theater, and getting the news from Judy Woodruff on the PBS Newshour.

Her volunteer commitments were wide, vast and numerous:  Power of the Pen, Pierre the Pelican, and Picture Ladies, to name a few.  Her board service included People to People Ministries and the Mental Health Recovery Board of Wayne and Holmes Counties. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church for 50 years.  She was a consummate mom, supporting her children’s many activities by being a Speech Team Mom, a Soccer Mom, a Swim Mom.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James “Jim” and Elizabeth “Liz” Kearney.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her brother Kenneth Watkins of Hanover PA; nieces and nephews; her children, Ian and daughter-in-law Jennifer of Wilmette IL; Kathleen of Minneapolis MN, and Patrick and fiancee Julia Williams of Wooster OH; and her grandchildren, whom she adored:  Violet, Kelli, Andrew, Katie and Seamus Kearney, and Amber Swinehart.

Calling hours will be from 5 -7 pm on Friday, March 10th at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster. https://www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com/  Funeral Services will be at 11 am on Saturday, March 11th at First Presbyterian Church of Wooster, 621 College Ave: https://www.firstpreswooster.org/

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome to People to People Ministries (https://ptpm.net/) and the Wayne County Public Library (https://wcpl.info/).

Online condolence may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com

20 Comments

  1. Walt, Ian, Kathleen and Pat – We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. She was a wonderful person who raised wonderful children. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
    Love, Tina, Joe, Riley and Lillie Grassman

    Reply
  2. Kathleen, Dr. Kearney and family, my deepest sympathies to you all during this difficult time. I adored your mother. She was such a bright light in this world. Her positive and outgoing spirit was so magnetic – you just loved being in her presence. Saying prayers and thinking of you all.

    Reply
  3. I am so sad Carolyn passed. I really enjoyed her contributions in our book club, her humor, and her positive attitude. She will be missed.

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  4. I am so saddened by Caroline’s passing. Her positive energy is and will always be missed.

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  5. I so enjoyed the time I spent with Caroline in our book group. Her gentle spirit and quick smile will be missed. May the memories you share bring you all comfort during the days ahead.

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  6. Dear Walt, Ian & Jennifer, Kathleen and Patrick & Julia,

    We are very sorry to hear of Carolyn’s passing. Marjorie has many fond memories of visiting with Carolyn and Walt on Cape Cod. Carolyn’s laugh was infectious and she always came with a smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

    With our condolences,

    Marjorie Feeley and daughters, Anne-Marie and Karen

    Reply
  7. I was so sorry to hear about Carolyn’s passing. I so enjoyed her company during AAUW book club discussions and out and about adventures. My deepest sympathies to her family.

    Reply
  8. Pat and Kearney Family,

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I have many memories of spending time in your Quinby Ave. home; a huge part of my childhood. Your Mom was always welcoming and loving. I am so thankful for this. I and the rest of the Russells are thinking about you all and send our love.

    Reply
  9. I enjoyed Carolyn so when we did Pierre the Peliguin

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  10. Dear Walt, Ian, Kathleen, and Patrick,

    We are so sorry to hear of Carolyn’s death. She was a wonderful, cheerful, welcoming “mom” in our neighborhood all those years ago, and a faithful member of First Church. May God be with you in your sorrow and bring you the comfort of many happy memories.
    With love and prayers,
    Susan and Jack Russell

    Reply
  11. So sorry for your loss. Carolyn was a very sweet lady.

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  12. My deepest sympathy to Walt and his family. Carolyn’s passion for learning and books were readily evident in her years as Kean’s librarian. I always appreciated her insights, wisdom, and friendship.

    Reply
  13. Sending our condolences to the Kearney family at this difficult time. May the memories of Carolyn bring you comfort.
    The Beckler Family

    Reply
  14. Dear Kearney family. Our deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful and joyful mother. May her memory be a blessing.

    Reply
  15. Dear Dr. Kearney and family. I am sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  16. Condolences to the Kearney family. I am sorry to hear of Carolyn’s passing. She was a beautiful presence in my kids’ lives and their love for reading. I always appreciated her authentic warmth and loveliness. May her memory bring you love and blessings.

    Reply
  17. So sorry for your loss, Dr. Kearney and kids. She was always a delightful person and I enjoyed talking with her. Hopefully the many wonderful memories you have will help give you some comfort.

    Reply
  18. I am so sad that I only had the pleasure of being with Carolyn on two occasions, at Julia and Patrick’s home and when we went to dinner with them three weeks ago, after a joyful day of wedding dress shopping. Carolyn was so important to Julia and Patrick loved her so much. My condolences to the family and to those who loved her. I’m so sad that I won’t have more time to know her and sad that she won’t be at the joyful wedding in October of her youngest son to Julia.

    Reply
  19. Dear Walt,

    We were sorry to learn of Carolyn’s recent passing, and we extend our condolences to you and your family.

    Reply
  20. Our deepest sympathy Walt to you and your family. Carolyn was such a good person and will be missed by all of us who knew her.
    God’s Blessings on you and the children,

    Reply

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