Obituary of Carolyn L. Lainsbury

Carolyn L. (Holyoke) Lainsbury, 89, died May 8, 2020 after a brief period of declining health. She was born Aug. 24, 1930 in Brewer, the daughter of Roger E. and Louise E. (Adams) Holyoke. Carolyn was a 1948 graduate of Brewer High School and a lifelong resident of Brewer. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church for 85 years where she sang in the choir. In her early years she worked at Freese’s Dept. Store and was a proof-reader at the Bangor Daily News. Later in life she was a school crossing guard and worked at the voting polls for the City of Brewer. She spent many years knitting, sewing and performing alterations for the public. Her flair for sales and business kicked in at some point and she became a successful Avon “lady”. Carolyn had a life-long interest in artistic endeavors including ceramics and later in life watercolor painting. She enjoyed sharing her art creations with others and also had a passion for holiday decorating. Baking. Then there was the baking. There was a competition between her mother Louise (who lived across the street) every Saturday morning and as kids we loved traveling between the two kitchens between cartoons to grab the goodies. Carolyn enjoyed bowling and was a long-time member of leagues at the Bangor/Brewer Bowling Lanes. Mom had wanted to square dance for years and our Dad resisted mightily until that fateful night when our Mother appeared at the door with her coat on and Dad asked where she was going. Square dancing was the reply. Dad said let me grab my coat. They went on to enjoy years of dancing with the Whirling 8’s in Hampden where they met many life-long friends and served as presidents for a period. Surviving are three sons, Edward, Paul and David; brothers Vernon Holyoke, Ralph Holyoke and William Holyoke; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Ivory H. “Ivy” Lainsbury in 2009 and by her sister Grace Holyoke Newbert. The family is very appreciative of the many friends our Mother had over the years, especially to Donna A., Donna B. and Louise C. (you know who you are!) who were instrumental in greatly enhancing her quality of life as she grew older. A private graveside service and burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Brewer and a memorial service will be planned for a later date once covid19 passes and we’re allowed to travel and gather again. Time and place to be announced. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Music Ministry, 61 State St., Brewer, ME 04412.