Carolyn Ann Wren, 85, passed away peacefully on September 23rd, 2026, in the care of her nieces, who treasured the honor of caring for her over the past month since she entered into hospice. Carolyn was born in Columbia, Missouri, to parents Haskell and Ruby Wren, the youngest (by far) of three children in the family.
Carolyn graduated from Stephens College with a liberal arts degree, from Northeastern State College with a BA in Art Education and from Missouri State University with an MA in Art Education. Carolyn taught art at Raytown South High School for 40 years, and after she retired, she taught English as a Second Language to elementary school children for about ten years, a job she loved, because she loved the children.
Carolyn was absolutely a “Renaissance woman” when it came to her art. She was a painter, a potter, a photographer, a jewelry maker, a weaver, a knitter. Many of us are lucky enough to have a piece of her art, which she shared generously. She enjoyed playing tennis with friends while she could, and traveled extensively with those friends, visiting Russia, Argentina, Italy, Istanbul, Spain, and other exciting places, documenting her journeys with beautiful photographs.
Carolyn made friends wherever she went. She had no problem striking up conversations with total strangers, and coming away from those encounters with new friends. She always wondered whether people really liked her, but it is clear that many people did, in fact, love her. Even after her entry into hospice, she was given the gift of several weeks of being able to spend time with many caring friends.
Carolyn loved her little dog, Buddy, although some will say Buddy didn’t necessarily love everyone he met! Buddy is now living with his “Auntie Annie,” who is teaching him that there are others out there who will love him.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Floyd Wren, and her sister, Patricia Irby. She is survived by her nieces, Anne Irby-Munk, Teri Hare (Roy Morrill), and Janis Irby (John Shadel). She is also survived by great-nephews Owen Denman (Leah Huey-Denman), Evan Denman, Joshua Irby, Dylan Munk, and Colin Hare (Amber) and family.
Service will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Parish, 815 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, MO, on Saturday, 10-10-26, at 11:00 am. Visitation prior to the service at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Wayside Waifs, St. Peter’s Catholic Parish, or a charity of your choice.
For the visitation, please consider bringing a piece of art that you have that Carolyn created, for others to appreciate.
