It was wonderful to see Carolyn's life unfold.  I had not seen her since 1950, when I was married in Simi Valley.  Her sister, Phyllis was my best friend forever and I loved her siblings and parents as much as my own family. Looks like she had a happy life and I am pleased to see that she lived long enough to enjoy her kids and grandchildren as well. We are never prepared to lose our loved ones but are grateful they are with those who have gone before.

My love to all the family,
   
June Varble Greathouse

Sending my love from Salt Lake City.  Many a Christmas spent talking with her.  I will always remember her wonderful smile and kindness.

To  family:  There is an ache in your hearts right now due to the absence of Carolyn's beating heart.
To her friends:  Our hearts ache too.
For all of us:  Our hearts were touched with love by Carolyn and that imprint will always stay.

I was fortunate to have met Carolyn in 1979 as the newbie Dental Hygienist in Dr. Bitter's office.  Carolyn greeted me with warmth and immediate acceptance.  We spent a little more than five years as comrades  against dental disease and almost 45 years as friends. 

When I met her she had a car that was almost as big as her heart!  That thing took all the office staff in it to many of our lunches at either the old Chicken Pie Shop or food court at Manchester Center. 

For at least 20 years, each October found us at The Big Fresno Fair and, of course,  betting our $20.00 at the horse races.  We did not know how to bet; we just loved the fun of it. In fact, I remember one race where there were only 5 horses in it...so we pooled our money and placed $2.00 on each horse to win.  As we stood at the finish line, we just yelled, "Come on, Anyone!"  Of course, we barely made back our money that we put on the bets.  We did not care...it was just fun.

I admit that I am not a phone talker so over the years we would meet for lunches and catch up and then after I moved , we texted.  Despite those long chats,  Carolyn would comment afterward that she had forgotten things that she had wanted to tell me.  She was always interesting and interested.  She was a very smart woman who I admired and called "Mother Superior."

Carolyn and I were also fortunate to work in a Christian dental office and spent time together in various Bible studies.  I can still hear her say, "Praise the Lord."  And now, He hears her in person.

"Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice: Praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice; Oh come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory; Great things He hath done."

Carolyn was a great mother-in-law to my daughter, Debbie. She was always smiling, kind, and gracious.
She was a great mom to both Ron Jr. And Tom, my son-in-law.
She was a wonderful baker and it was always hard to resist her desserts.
She will be greatly missed.

With love,
Barbara File

OBITUARY

Carolyn Dorothy Austin

29 December, 1936 – 19 July, 2024

Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home

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