Carolyn Kirwan

Carolyn Ecker was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 8th 1931 to Chester and Marie Ecker. She was the youngest of three children and attended St. Sylvester’s School. She was devout in her faith and was a life-long Catholic. At the early age of 13 Carolyn tragically lost her Father and her life was forever changed. She attended Sacred Heart Academy in Sag Harbor, New York. Carolyn had an enchanting gift of creativity and was magically able to bring things to life. She mastered all aspects of art. She was an eloquent writer and won a poetry contest for the state of New York. She was able to draw, paint, sculpt, and design fascinating works of art with her own delicate, unique flair. Carolyn was offered a full scholarship in Art to the prestigious Mary Mount College of New York. Carolyn however had another gift just as breathtaking and fascinating as her talent for art- she was strikingly beautiful with an effervescent, dazzling personality and a radiant smile. Carolyn was also bright, genuine, funny and quick witted. She was always the life of the party and people gravitated towards her.

Carolyn felt a great responsibility to her widowed Mother and as a result accepted a job as a flight attendant with American Airlines. Carolyn excelled in this field and delighted in seeing the world. She met Presidents, movie stars and athletes. Carolyn kept a note Ed Sullivan penned for her, thanking her for her hospitality and inviting she and her Mother backstage to see a show. Carolyn was based in Fort Worth, Texas where she met the true love of her life, John R. Kirwan. John knew instantly when he met Carolyn that this was the girl for him and went home and told his roommate ”Today I met the girl I am going to marry”. John and Carolyn were forever Valentines married February 14, 1954. Ironically, in Carolyn’s flying days she would stop over in West Texas thinking- who could live in all that dust and wind? Carolyn and John settled in Midland in 1958 where they made their home and raised five children. Carolyn always kept her Brooklyn accent and loved when Texans would always ask “you aren’t from around here are ya”?

Carolyn embodied the true definition of a Mother in every sense of the word. She was always loving, accepting, forgiving, kind, encouraging, supportive, patient and knew just what each child needed to flourish. She was grounded and down to earth and always had just the right piece of advice to offer. She sacrificed so much and always put herself last. She was devoted to all of her children but especially dedicated herself to the care and education of her special needs son Daniel. She never allowed for anyone to treat him any differently and taught others to see how perfect he was. The most important thing to Carolyn, besides her never wavering faith, was her sense of family. Carolyn cared for each of her relatives through sickness and was always available to lend a hand whenever called upon. She brought everyone together and was the strength of the Kirwan family. The Kirwan house was always full of life and laughter and was the warm place everyone could gather. All the neighborhood kids also called her Mom.

After Carolyn raised her children she still desired to realize her dream of exploring a formal education in Art. She enrolled in various art classes where her teachers were amazed at her natural talent. Soon after taking many art classes she decided to complete her degree and excelled in every area of her education. She was inducted into Who’s Who of Junior College Students and graduated from Midland College with great ease. She enjoyed learning so much she enrolled at UTPB (University of Texas Permian Basin) and further mesmerized her instructors with her exquisite ability and talent. She was proud to be an older student and made it look effortless to be a wife and Mother of 5 while also being a college honor’s student. She achieved her Bachelors of Arts Degree in 1986 and it was one of her proudest accomplishments.

Later in life Carolyn spent much of her free time at her “little cabin in the mountains” Cloud Croft New Mexico. She enjoyed spending time with John her children and Grandchildren. She continued her passion for art and took numerous classes at the Cloud Croft Summer Art Workshops. Carolyn wasn’t just a remarkable artist and student but also a wonderful teacher. It brought her great joy to teach her Grandchildren appreciation for art but more than that she taught them to see the beauty in all things. Nothing brought her more pleasure than to capture her loved one’s likenesses through portraits she created. She loved nature, animals, cold weather, the Dallas Cowboys and was a fabulous cook. Carolyn had an incredible green thumb and loved to garden. Carolyn enjoyed all kinds of music- everything from classical and opera to show tunes and country. She was always one to celebrate life and people and see the humor in things. Her motto was “life is an adventure.”

During Carolyn’s long illness, she was loved and cared for by her faithful husband John and all her children. All the remarkable qualities that she had modeled for her family were exhibited by how much her family adored her. One of the greatest honors to her legacy was in 2015 when her great granddaughter was born and named Carolyn, after the woman who exuded so much beauty, charisma and grace. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Midland and Martha Ramirez and her team of caregivers for their tender care, love and compassion they gave to our dear mother.

Carolyn is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 62 years, John R. Kirwan; son John Kirwan- John’s daughter Shay Moore, husband Brian, daughters Alyssa and Audrey, John’s son Mathew-daughters Lexie, Evie and Taylor and John’s daughter Laura; son Tip Kirwan- wife Brenda and son Thomas Taylor and his wife Faith, Daughter Caroline Kirwan- Daughter Catherine Eberhard her daughter Carolyn and Caroline’s son Christopher and his wife Holly Jo, Daughter Kathleen Kirwan- Haynie- husband Scott sons Hunter, Christian and daughter Grace, her Brother Kenneth and his wife Phyllis and many nieces and nephews. Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, dear brother Francis and beloved son Daniel.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 6th from 6-8 at Ellis Funeral Home. A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, January 7th at St. Stephens Catholic Church Midland Texas by Monsignor Bridges with the burial following at Resthaven Memorial Park.

The family is grateful for the many prayers, love and support during this difficult yet glorious time. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, TX 79702, or Senior Link Midland (Meals On Wheels), 3301 Sinclair Ave, Midland, TX 79707.