Carolyn “Lynn” Illing, born Dec. 12, 1919 in Delevan, Wis., a resident of Fairhope, died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 at her residence.
The daughter of Ira “Jack” and Eleanor Sodders, she moved at a young age with her family to Chicago. As an only child, she was happy to have lived near cousins, aunts and uncles.
She graduated from Sullivan High School where she met her future husband, Bill, and worked for the telephone company for four years before they married in 1942. With a new baby and a husband in the Pacific, she moved between families. Once the War was over and a second child arrived, her husband began to work for Gulf Oil which enabled the family to move to numerous locations.
Her good cooking and friendly spirit made each new location comfortable and home. In 1979, after several attempts to find the perfect retirement area, the couple settled in Fairhope and felt blessed ever after.
She was active in the Thomas Hospital Auxiliary, activities at the Nix Center, Red Hats, East Gate neighborhood association and a faithful member of Fairhope United Methodist Church. But, most of all, she was devoted to her family. She gave her family and those she held dear her unconditional love, support, enthusiasm, and optimism. Her caring ways, loving heart, and gentle soul will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Illing.
Survivors include a daughter, Sandra (Tad) Oelstrom, of Boston; son, William R. (Patricia) Illing Jr. of Kansas City, Kan.; six grandchildren, Kristin Meikle, Stephanie Rubin, Mary Hatley, Robert Illing, Anne Williams and Megan Brand; and nine great-grandchildren, Mason and Ellie Hatley, Anna and Gareth Meikle, Luke, Chase and Jack Rubin, Lilly and Raley Williams.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 2 at Fairhope United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mike McKnight officiating, assisted by Dr. Anne Pearson.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 S. Section St., Fairhope, AL 36532
Arrangements are by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Fairhope.
