Carolyn Kuciejczyk Johnson
Carolyn Kuciejczyk Johnson, born in St. Louis 1942, peacefully passed away Saturday, January 22, 2022, with her husband Gary at her side. She graduated from Rosati Kain High School and Fontbonne University, then enjoyed a career lasting over forty years as a Claim Manager for Aetna and John Hancock, and then as Comptroller for St. Alban Roe parish.
She was a lifelong subscriber to the Muny and Stages, loved to sing show tunes, sing along’s and at church, but she was also known to randomly burst into song. Carolyn was an avid reader, having more than 3,000 books at one time, and she enjoyed playing crossword and find a word puzzles, in addition to Pinocle, Free Cell, and other card games. She served as Den Mother, Archdiocesan Appeal financial assistant, St. Louis Claims Association Officer and was well known for her organizational skills and mathematical mind. Carolyn had a lifelong belief in giving back, and as a final gift, she donated her body to SLU Medical School.
She is predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Bernice, and sister, Bonnie. Carolyn is survived by husband, Gary; three step sons and their wives, Chris (Carolyn), Peter (Rita), and Jon; brother, Joseph; two sisters, Janet and Madonna (Tom Kernan) as well as cousin, Sally, raised as a sister; beloved grandchildren, nephews and niece Joseph III, Katie, David, Claire, Ben, Sanjay, Andrew, Amiya, Connor, Sarah, and Michael; and one great granddaughter Amelia.
The family thanks the Dolan Memory Care facility for their kindness and care to Carolyn. Her brief moments are now our memories. In consideration of the grandchildren’s schools and warmer weather, a Memorial Mass will be scheduled later in the year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
To me it is a blessing that Carolyn enjoyed singing to the end. When Janet and I would visit her we often sang with her. Sometimes Carolyn would start humming a show tune and we would then sing it together. The musicians who came to the group home enjoyed that Carolyn sang along and enjoyed that her two sisters did too. One of the pianists would even transpose the songs to our key. During our visit on December 17 , the pianist asked us to sing “Sisters, sisters. There were never such devoted sisters.” The last photo in the slide show is from that moment. I cherish that memory.
Gary and Janet sang to Carolyn when she entered hospice and was not longer responsive. I was out of town, but had the idea that I could join them in singing via FaceTime. Gary called and set up FaceTime. I began, ” This is your sister Madonna. I’m calling to tell you that I love you and to sing to you. Carolyn briefly opened her eyes. I began singing ” Yahweh I know you are near standing always at my side. You guard me from the foe and you lead me in ways ever lasting. .. Your hand is upon me protecting me in death, keeping me from harm.” At that moment Carolyn stopped breathing. Janet, Gary, and I sang her home.❤️
Madonna, thank you for sharing this beautiful story of your last moments with Carolyn. You couldn’t be there physically, but you were able to connect with her thanks to technology. What a beautiful way to send Carolyn home. I have no doubt she was waiting for you song.
May fond memories and shared stories of Carolyn’s life bring all who loved her much comfort and peace in the days ahead.
~ Jane Levdansky
Dear Madonna and Janet, Thank you for sharing loving memories of your sister. Being that I am also one of 4 girls in a family, sisters are precious people in our lives that help make all things sparkle. I saw your sisters spark of loving life in her eyes. What a lady, what a family, what a sister! Love, Christine Diekman
Thank you for allowing me to enter into your loving family- I felt joy and kindness of being in those special moments-each day is pure gift.
Mary and Vito
What a beautiful tribute to a life well-lived and well-loved!
May memories be a source of strength and joy in the days to come. Thank you for sharing your tribute to Carolyn. You all remain in our thoughts and prayers.