Carolyn’s early education spanned numerous states, including New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Oklahoma, before her family settled in Kansas. In 1976, she graduated as the class Valedictorian from Bishop Carroll Catholic High School. She continued her education across Wichita State University, Brigham Young University, and the University of Kansas, ultimately earning her Master’s Degree in History from Wichita State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Carolyn spent the majority of her career working as an accountant and auditor for the IRS, and later continued her professional passion as a self-employed tax preparer.
A devout Catholic, Carolyn led a deeply prayerful life. She was a lifelong, dedicated member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
While Carolyn never had children of her own, she loved the children of her family and friends as if they were her own, earning her the affectionate nickname "Aunt Duck."
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, S. JoAnne and Donald H. Barwig; her brother, Stephen Hoglund; and her nephew, Thomas J. Barwig.
Survivors include her sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and William "Bill" Seila; her sister-in-law, Evelyn Hoglund; and her nieces and nephews, Donald A. (Katie) Barwig, Rebecca Barwig, Elizabeth Barwig, David Seila, Joseph Seila, and Stephanie (Adam) Henderson. She is also survived by her great-nieces and great-nephews, Chace, Owen, Payton, Addie, Reagan, and Lincoln; her longtime friend, Cathy Conn; and her godchildren, Elizabeth Barwig, George Conn, Keeana Frost, and Jill Frost.
Recitation of the Rosary will be at 10:00 a.m., with a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m., both on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 860 N. Socora Street, Wichita, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Carolyn’s memory to Life Line Animal Placement at https://lifelineanimalplacement.org/monthly-sponsorship/
