Born on January 25, 1927, in Gretna, La., to the late Bertha Alfonso Shipley and Felix Alfonso, Carolyn married the love of her life, affectionately known as Sammy, on February 15, 1950. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters and shared a life filled with family, friends, global travel, gardening and many other interests. Theirs was a life built around a deep faith, and they were active members of St. Andrew the Apostle and, in later years, Mary Queen of Peace. Carolyn was a longtime member and past president of the PEO Club, and was active in the SAGES group in both parishes.
Carolyn was a gifted seamstress, as well as an avid reader, walker and puzzle maker. But her greatest love was her family. She was a proud grandmother of four and great-grandmother of six. She was the kind of grandmother who made sure to attend the school events, but was also never too busy to sit down and play a game or read a story, even well into her 90s. She loved all of her family dearly, and it was evident in every birthday card, phone call and visit.
Carolyn believed in balanced eating, regular exercise and daily prayer. She practiced all three into her 98th year and lived a long and full life that was filled with good health, laughter and love. Her family was blessed to enjoy so many years with her.
In addition to her husband, Carolyn was preceded in death by her siblings, Juanita Spera and Felix Alfonso, and her grandson, David Emile Landry. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Sandra Landry and husband David, and Donna Paciera and husband Kirth; her grandchildren, Amy Fuhrman (Mike), Kirth Paciera Jr. (Mariel), and Elise MacMaster (Robert); and her great-grandchildren, Joshua and Benjamin Fuhrman, Camryn, Paige and Brooklyn MacMaster, and Nolan Paciera.
The family would like to offer special gratitude to Carolyn’s loving and dedicated caregivers, Renae LaShae and Briana Misita, as well as the staff at Christwood Longleaf and ACG Hospice.
A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Samaritan Center Food Bank, 402 Girod St., Mandeville, La., 70448.
