Carolyn Jean Schott

Carolyn Jean Schott passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on August 22, 2023. Carolyn was born in San Diego in 1940, where she grew up with her three siblings. Carolyn was a proud graduate of the Academy of Our Lady of Peace where she attended with her sister Ruth by her side. They shared a deep-seated faith cultivated there in addition to lifelong friendships and happy memories. Returning for regular visits and seeing her sister Arlene were always a highlight for Carolyn.

After a lovely naval wedding to Norm in 1963, Carolyn embarked on an adventure into East Coast living, moving to his hometown of Rochester, New York. She promptly began raising a family and shoveling snow. During these early years she loved doing crafts with her kids, learning to ice skate and snow ski, volunteering at school, leading girl scouts and boy scouts, raising all kinds of little creatures in the house and generally being an all-around incredible mother and wife. She was always ready for a camping trip, early morning hockey game or to whip up hot chocolate for frozen kids or a pan of lasagna for a big family gathering. Carolyn was committed to her Catholic faith and encouraged her children toward their own faith journeys.

Moving to North Carolina in 1977 coincided with raising teenagers, allowing Carolyn to venture into the workforce, all while continuing to encourage them in their numerous activities. Carolyn valued her family above all else and thoroughly enjoyed her time celebrating life's holidays and special events. She especially loved being nearer to her sister Ruth's family, providing lots of opportunity for holiday gatherings and cousin bonding.

Retirement in 2003 led them to Sunset Beach. Carolyn joined the Songbirds, a local singing group, loved heading to the beach for any reason, especially to entertain her grandchildren when they visited. Carolyn and Norm were always ready for a road trip and traveled often.

Carolyn and Norm moved back to Charlotte in 2018 to be closer to family. Although there were many challenges, Carolyn was always smiling and especially loved visiting with friends, long walks, bird watching, dancing to her favorite music, people watching, Chick-fil-A and ice cream.

Over the last few years, many of these activities were made possible by her incredible friend, Ethel Harris, who cared for her selflessly since 2020. We are deeply grateful for her, as well as the wonderful care received from other caregivers and the attentive staff at the Cedar Ridge Unit at Matthews Glen.

She was loved by all who knew her and always had a smile and an encouraging word. She was especially adored by her children, their spouses and her 8 grandchildren. Her generous love and tender ways will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 60 years, Norman Schott; and her siblings, Joseph Shults and Ruth Canaan.

She is survived by her children, Greg Schott (Grace), Brenda Dixon (Robert), and Cathy Falberg (Brennan); her grandchildren, Lindsay Schott, Kyle Schott, Calvin Schott, Grant Dixon, Chase Dixon, Robin Dixon, Emily Falberg, and Cara Falberg; her sister, Arlene Shults; and many other loving extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3pm on Saturday, September 9 in the main Chapel at Matthews Glen Retirement Community, 733 Pavilion View Drive in Matthews, NC.