Carole Giggy Burns

Carole Giggy Burns, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, passed away on October 14, 2025, in Cedar Park, Texas, at the age of 86 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Carole was born in Stafford, Kansas, in 1938 to loving parents Karl and Ruth Giggy. She was preceded in death by her parents and her younger sister, Phyllis Jo Dennis.

Carole’s long-time home was in El Paso, Texas, where she lived from 1964 until 2019, when she relocated to Cedar Park to be near her daughter. Her story, however, began in other parts of Texas, as her family relocated numerous times due to her father’s work in the oil industry.

Carole graduated from William Adams High School in Alice, Texas (1956), and from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) in 1960, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in art education. She later proudly received her master’s degree in education from Sul Ross State University in 1984.

Carole devoted her career to education, touching hundreds of young lives. She worked as a special education teacher (including at Roberts Elementary), an assistant principal (Polk Elementary), and a principal (Putnam Elementary). She also spent several joyous years supporting the Reading Intervention Institute for EPISD teachers. The colleagues she met throughout her career became lifelong friends who greatly enriched her life. She encouraged everyone she knew to pursue education—and spoke passionately about it even when her thoughts began to fade.

Carole’s heart for service was evident throughout her life. She was an active member of numerous organizations, including Chi Omega Sorority, the Junior League of El Paso, and the women’s ministry at First Baptist Church El Paso, where she attended and volunteered faithfully for more than 50 years.

After retiring from Putnam Elementary, Carole dedicated her time to her many passions. She loved gardening, painting, and creating art of all kinds. She delighted in traveling—both with her special circle of girlfriends and with her devoted partner, Tom Hester, who helped her check off nearly every item on her bucket list that she could conspire, Carole also enjoyed her reading club, cooking groups, art classes, and any social event that allowed her to share her creativity.

Carole had a deeply caring heart, which she often expressed through hosting gatherings at her beloved home on Pebble Beach Drive. Her family fondly referred to these as “Martha Stewart occasions,” as every detail from the beautifully set table to the homemade dishes, reflected her signature warmth and hospitality. Entertaining and bringing loved ones together was her gift, and all who gathered there were blessed because of it.

Carole was loved beyond measure, and her beautiful life will forever be cherished. To know Carole was to love her and her companionship, and her legacy will live on in the countless acts of kindness, generosity, and grace she shared right up to the very end.

Carole is survived by her children, Scott and Yvette Eschenbrenner of Las Cruces, NM, and Tami and Mark Swingler of Burnet, TX; her grandchildren, JW Eschenbrenner (Las Cruces, NM), Kaitlyn Eschenbrenner (Austin, TX), Jessica and Travis Beals (Freeport, FL); her great grandchild, Gracelyn Marie Beals; and her loving partner, Tom Hester, along with his caring family. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 2, 2025 at Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin, TX.