Carolyn H. Gilbert

Carolyn Gilbert, 97, passed away on September 6, 2024 in Buffalo, New York. Carolyn was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Louis and Erma (Guszits) Hoffman, growing up in a close-knit three generation Hungarian family. Carolyn and her siblings, Leslie and Betty Joan (deceased), participated in the Cleveland Major Works Gifted Program during elementary school.

After high school, Carolyn graduated from Ohio University with a major in elementary education with specialties in reading and language arts. She valued her affiliation with Pi Beta Phi starting as an undergraduate and continuing with local alumni groups.

Carolyn first taught at Morton Elementary School in West Lafayette, Indiana. She met and married Milo R. Gilbert, Jr. (deceased) when he was attending Purdue University on the GI Bill after WWII. They moved to Glenview, Illinois where they welcomed three daughters.

The young family then moved to Williamsville, New York. Carolyn earned a Master’s Degree in elementary reading at the University of Buffalo. She was a beloved and respected teacher at Maple West Elementary School.

Upon retirement, Carolyn “Curly” and Milo “Mike” moved near Pinehurst, North Carolina where they enjoyed many years of hosting holidays, golfing, and traveling together. Carolyn then moved back to Buffalo to be near family. She stayed active at Asbury Pointe, Getzville.

Carolyn passed on her love of learning to her daughters, who survive: Gail (Steve) Lange, Tracey Gilbert (Chris Bonn), and Barrie Gilbert (Steve Foster). Her legacy includes six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.