Carolyn Marie Sodergren

Carolyn was born (21 Dec 1936) and raised in Alabama City what is now Gadsden AL and attended Emma Samson High School (1955). She then pursued her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse studying at Druid City Hospital of Tuscaloosa AL and The University of Alabama. After graduation (1958) she continued to work for the same Hospital and soon met and married (1959) a handsome Graduate Engineering student from Sweden. They both loved to dance whether it was a Square Dance or the Jitter Bug.

She practiced nursing in various locations as the young family moved over the years including Parkersburg WV, Tucson AZ, Huntsville AL, and finally settling long term in Harrison TN in 1974 where she worked for

Memorial Hospital, Hamilton Co Nursing Home and Moccasin Bend Psychiatric Hospital. After completing EMT training at Chattanooga State Community College she enjoyed practicing as an Industrial Nurse for Combustion Engineering and still later pursued a calling of practicing in the field of Addiction Recovery. No matter the job she was an advocate for her patients as well as a gentle and compassionate voice of encouragement.

Carolyn was a long time faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hixson TN and a founding member of Resurrection Lutheran Church after her and her husband’s post retirement move from Harrison TN to Ooltewah TN.

Not surprising Carolyn participated in various charities and volunteered with Girl Scouts, PTA, Bible Study and other various causes always with the purpose of helping others in need. She served on The Board of Indian Creek Home for the Aged and regularly visited nursing home residents.

Carolyn was known for her positive attitude through her many physical ailments. Her children all agree that she was “tough as nails” and never complained despite partial paralysis and even chronic pain. She could often be found sitting in her wheel chair knitting scarves for the homeless and baby hats for children of mothers in need that she’d never met.

After retirement she actively pursued traveling with her husband, camping, hiking, and boating. She took up art classes and found a hidden talent for painting which she continued to enjoy long after her ailments slowed down her active lifestyle but not her zest for living. She shared her talents on canvas with family and friends. She also made special memories at their condo and second home at Beech Mountain NC.

Carolyn had a lifelong practice of frequently sending handwritten notes, cards and letters to family, friends and her prison ministry. She loved animals and pets of all kind. Carolyn continued her passion of cheering on The Alabama Crimson Tide football team until her final weeks and days.

After moving from her home in Ooltewah she resided at Garden Plaza Independent Living and The Bridge of Ooltewah Assisted Living where she

made many good friends and was a natural serving on Welcoming Committees. Her final residence was living with her daughter Margaret Fullam in Chattanooga/Harrison area. Needless to say she enjoyed visits from family and friends and always cherished her grandchildren.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Vinson and Tressie Wren; son-in-law, Daniel J. Panak; her eldest Granddaughter, Allyson M. Fullam and her beloved husband of 58 wonderful years, Jan H. Sodergren.

She is survived by her children: Elizabeth M. Sodergren, Margaret Sodergren Fullam (Steve) and Karl H. Sodergren (Tracy); Grandchildren: Benjamin J. Panak, Oskar K.H. Sodergren, Sydney N. Panak and Scarlet M. Sodergren; her brother, Charles Wren of Gadsden AL and nephew Jeremy Gross of Raleigh NC; and various special cousins including Rex Acton Moses (Nancy) of Huntington Beach CA and Betty Hendrix (James) of Arab AL.

Friends are invited to help the family celebrate her life well lived. Visitation will be held at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel (Hwy 153, Hixson TN) Wednesday, November 16, 2022 5-7pm and Thursday Nov 17 at 11am with a short funeral service at noon - Rev. Lou Parsons presiding.

On Friday Nov. 18 the family will travel to Greenwood Cemetery, Montgomery AL where Carolyn’s earthly remains will be interred alongside her beloved husband.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com