Service Details
In accordance with Betty’s wishes, services were held at St. Edward Catholic Church on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 11:00 am. Rev. Richard J. Molter officiated. Private interment took place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to St. Monica’s Senior Living or St. Edward Catholic Church have been suggested by the family.
Racine – Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Carolan, age 97, died on Friday, July 17, 2020.
A lifelong resident of Racine, Betty was born June 28, 1923 to the late Clarence Kleven and Elizabeth Irene (nee: O’Brien) Howe. She graduated from Washington Park High School and went on to earn a degree in Education from Dominican College.
Betty was united in the sacrament of holy matrimony with Laurence Edward Carolan on December 1, 1943 at St. Edward Catholic Church. Betty was a homemaker and taught at St. Rose Catholic School. Betty was an active member of St. Edward Catholic Church. For many years she volunteered and tutored at both St. Edward School and Holy Name School. Betty enjoyed exploring various artistic mediums including hand-thrown pottery, oil painting, needlepoint, stitchery, knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Among her many and varied interests, she enjoyed traveling, reading, playing bridge, and chocolate! Most of all, she loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Surviving are her four children: daughter Sheila Polzin, son Laurence James and Cynthia Carolan, daughter Mary Teresa Cronin, son John Matthew and Kathleen Rice Carolan; grandchildren Michael Polzin (Chris), Ann and Tim Pettit, Mark and Elizabeth Polzin, John Polzin, Katherine and Elizabeth Carolan, Molly Cronin Oposnow and Christopher Oposnow, Joseph and Jennifer Cronin, Sean and Brittni Carolan; great grandchildren Michaela, Delaney and Callahan Polzin, Andy and Libby Pettit, Abby and Jack Polzin, Matthew (Julianne), Meghan and Michael Polzin, Norah and Teagan Cronin; brother-in-law, Raymond Carolan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Laurence, her sons-in-law Thomas K Cronin and Richard V Polzin, her toddler brother Robert Howe, her sister-in-law Patricia and husband George Ontko, her brothers-in-law John R Carolan and wife Margaret, James A Carolan, and sister-in-law Mary Kreitzer Carolan.
In accordance with Betty’s wishes, services were held at St. Edward Catholic Church on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 11:00 am. Rev. Richard J. Molter officiated. Private interment took place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Memorials to St. Monica’s Senior Living or St. Edward Catholic Church have been suggested by the family.
A note of thanks to Betty’s St. Monica’s Senior Living family and Rev. John Vianney Muweesi SDS, Ascension Chaplain, for the compassionate care and support given to her. May God bless all of you!
Joette Vanella says
Sending my deepest sympathy to Mary and family. I will always cherish my memories of the happy and fun times spent with Betty and the whole Carolan family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ruth Mandala says
Sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Carolan. I remember her fondly as my teacher at St Rose all those years ago. You never forget certain people that have a profound influence In your life.
Eileen Church (Gilbride) says
After reading the line “She taught at St. Rose”, I realized Mrs. Carolan was my third grade teacher, and my favorite of all time. Being a retired teacher myself, they always say that children will remember one thing about you and that is how you treated them. I remember her as the sweetest, most caring teacher I had. I will love her always!💜
Diane Putra says
My sympathy to the family of Betty Carolan. She helped in my classroom several years at Holy Name school and was loved by all the children she worked with. She was a great lady and often talked affectionately about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. May God bless you as you mourn her death, but rejoice in the long and fruitful life she had here on earth. Simply a wonderful lady.
Moises, Pam and Marcus says
Dear Carolan family,
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. Betty and Larry were the best neighbors we could have ever hoped for! Always positive, smiling, a wonderful witness to our kids.
God bless you!!
Moises, Pam and Marcus