Obituary of Carolyn S. Boggs

Sometimes, when the petals droop, a framework of tempered steel is revealed within. So it was with my mother, Carolyn Boggs.

Carolyn was born in a small town in West Virginia, she graduated from Lyons Senior High School where she enjoyed playing basketball and the company of many dear friends, more than a few of which she reconnected with in her later years. Carolyn gave birth to her daughter Carol in the year of 1971 and moved to Rochester New York a few years later. Carolyn was no stranger to hard work and took jobs as a janitor, bowling alley attendant, and for a short time was even a store owner but the job she loved most was “Mom” and although she gave birth to just one child that led to caring and love for the Fordham children, Lorne, Lori, Cindy, Patty, Michael, Tammy, and Belinda along with the children of her partner, Patrick, Donna, Edward all of whom she considered children of her heart. 

In March of 1984, after a tragic house fire, Carolyn moved to Tucson Arizona where she was an accomplished pool cleaner and spent the latter part of her working years as a laundry attendant. She enjoyed the sunny days, barbecuing, and good times with friends. She loved going up to Mount Lemmon and delighted in the occasional Tucson snow “storms”. Carolyn loved her family deeply and considered her great grandchildren, Micheal and Ellie, the most precious gift of her elder years. She loved animals, especially her cats, the internet, online games, carnations, a good fish fry, Game of Thrones, and any movie that could make her cry was a winner. 

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Ruth and Robert Boggs, her siblings Charles and Robert, along with the love of her life Marjorie Baart and very best friend Pamela Thomas. Carolyn is survived by her daughter Carol, her son (Richard) the children of her heart: Lorne, Lori, Cindy, Patty, Michael, Tammy, and Belinda, Patrick, Donna, and Edward. Her siblings, Mary and Bill. Her grand-daughter Emily, her great grandchildren Michael and Ellie, along with her beloved nephew Todd and too many cherished friends to list. 

No matter how little she had she looked to share it with those around her. Her kindness, courage, and determination to make the most of life in the face of daily chronic pain was an inspiration. Although she will be missed dearly, Carolyn had a heart larger than life and loved immensely with the whole of it. In all those whom she touched in love, Carolyn will live on.