Carolyn Elizabeth Union

The measure of one’s life can be seen in their impact on others, and Carolyn Union lifted up everyone she met. Friends, family - everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was smart, courageous, independent and funny. She loved her family fiercely and had a gift of making everyone feel at home, widening her arms to embrace those loved by those she loved. Over her life, she became “Mom” to many.

Carolyn Elizabeth Union, age 79, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on June 9, 2026, surrounded by family. Born on September 21,1946 in Atlanta, Georgia, she had deep love for her family, her friends and this country, that so many, including her father, fought to preserve.

As an “army brat”, she spent her childhood moving from place to place across the United States with her family. She reflected happily on her winters spent ice-skating and building snow forts with her father. She spent her high school years in Germany, graduating there. During high school, she and two teenage boys formed a trio, The Journeymen, playing guitars and singing folk songs for the American troops. She learned to sing in church choirs as a child and music remained a constant source of joy. She sang and played the guitar for most of her life and dabbled in piano and banjo.

She was an artist in every sense of the word. Her talents could be seen in her music, her poetry, her gardening and her intricate, hand-painted Christmas ornaments.

After high school she returned to the United States and attended the University of Georgia, studying Music. She married James Union and moved with her new family to Chamblee before eventually settling in Marietta. There she raised her family, rode and cared for her horses and developed long-lasting friendships. Ultimately, she bought her own home - one of her proudest accomplishments - where she lived for more than 30 years, hosting birthdays, holidays and her grandchildren whenever possible.

As a mom, she loved unconditionally. She was supportive and present, happy for every minute she spent with her children. She welcomed their spouses completely, loving them as her own. In difficult times she provided wisdom, levity (sarcasm) and patience. And occasionally, a place to land. From her always laughing greeting to her witty interactions and smiling goodbyes, she turned every visit or phone call into a joyful loving moment.

After retiring from Solvay Pharmaceuticals, she spent her time in the garden, traveling with friends and visiting her sister in Virginia. She had a soft spot for animals, especially horses and dogs. More than once, she made the drive to Virginia with her rather large German Shepherd, Cash, turning a 10-hour drive into well more than twelve.

But her favorite time was spent being “Mimi” to her five grandchildren. She had a unique bond with each of them, eager to listen to them recount their adventures, rooting them on in every endeavor. She loved their discussions about books and movies and took every opportunity to sing or play piano/guitar with them. For over 20 years she would gather them at Christmastime to decorate gingerbread houses - it was her favorite day of the year.

She is survived by her daughter Michelle and son-in-law Bill Penkava of Tucker, son James Jr. and daughter-in-law Melanie of Atlanta, son Michael and daughter-in-law Kelly of Marietta; her beloved grandchildren Mackenzie Union; Sarah Penkava; Kaitlyn Union; Sam Penkava; and Hailey Union. She is also survived by her sister Jaquelyn Keoho of Carson City, NV, her sister Mary Margaret Harper of Gainesville, VA and brother Tony Dye of Braselton, GA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Brigadier General Harold A Dye and Emma Jean Dye. She will be deeply missed not only by her family and friends but also by the countless individuals whose lives she touched, sometimes in brief encounters, but always in meaningful ways.

A funeral will be held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church on June 20, 2026, at 11:00 am. The service will be conducted by Pastor Joel Seifert. Visitation will be at the church on June 20th at 10:30 am.

For those who wish, please make donations to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF).

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church

2240 Shallowford Road

Marietta, GA 30066