Carolyn Bortzer

Carolyn Bortzer-Rasnick, 83, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away on September 7, 2026, with her daughter by her side. While her family’s hearts are broken by her passing, they are grateful for the lifetime of love, laughter, memories, and lessons she leaves behind.

Carolyn was born on April 9, 1943, in Kingsport, Tennessee. She was a hardworking woman who spent many years working in security for Lockheed Martin. She was strong, independent, determined, and, as anyone who knew her would tell you, just a little stubborn. But that stubbornness was part of what made Carolyn Carolyn—she knew what she believed, she stood her ground, and she loved fiercely.

Carolyn was the kind of person who made a house feel like home simply by being in it. She loved a house filled with people, conversation, laughter, and, of course, plenty of food. She was famous for her big Sunday breakfasts, bringing family together around the table and making ordinary moments into memories that will now be treasured forever.

She loved running, the beach, cooking, and spending time with the people who mattered most to her. But perhaps her greatest passion was taking care of others. Carolyn was the person everyone called. Whether someone needed advice, a helping hand, a listening ear, or simply someone who would be there, Carolyn showed up. She believed in family, friendship, and helping others—and she lived those values every day.

Carolyn had a generous heart and a fun, sassy spirit. She could make people laugh, tell you exactly what she thought, and somehow make you feel loved all at the same time. She had a special gift for making people feel like they belonged. She became “Mamaw” not only to her own family, but to so many people who weren't related to her at all. That was Carolyn's way—if she loved you, you were family.

Nothing brought her greater joy than her grandson, Garritt, and her granddog, Bandit. They were precious to her and held a place in her heart that words cannot fully describe. The love she had for them was unconditional, fierce, and unmistakably Carolyn.

She leaves behind her children, Starr Light and Robert Light; her beloved grandson, Garritt; her cherished granddog, Bandit; and her sister, Ann Ford of Kingsport, Tennessee. She also leaves behind many friends and extended family members who were lucky enough to know her, love her, and call her their own.

Carolyn's greatest legacy will not be found in a job title or an accomplishment. It will be found in the people she loved, the people she helped, the meals she shared, the laughter around her table, the advice she gave, and the countless lives she touched simply by being Carolyn.

She will be deeply missed—but she will never be forgotten.

In lieu of a traditional service, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends.

Rest easy, Carolyn. Your table may be quiet now, but the love you filled it with will live on forever.