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On the morning of June 23, 2020, Carolyn Mary (Larriccia) Anderson passed away after an arduous battle with cancer. Although Carolyn faced many ailments, she did not struggle alone. She found solace with her children: Renee Elizabeth Bryan, Darlene Irene Lund, and Richard Lee Anderson, Jr.; and four beautiful grandchildren: Tyler Michael Bryan, Brittnie Leigh (Pearson) Marusich, Katelyn Rae Pearson, and Lauren Elizabeth Bryan. Along with further support from the family member's devoted partners: William Nelson Lund, Jr., Johnathon Ray Marusich, Matthew Scott Wieczorek, and Dylan Brent Connell, who through attentive care helped soothe our grief-stricken family. The birth of our family's newest member, Krew Michael Marusich, brought insurmountable joy to Carolyn, love only a great- grandmother could know. Lastly, we imagine that Carolyn met her loving father and mother, Henry Alexander and Elizabeth Caroline (Bennetto ) Larriccia, and her brother, Henry (Hank) Albert Larriccia, by the Pearly Gates and they helped her transition into her Heavenly Home.

Carolyn Mary was able to share her legacy of love and laughter with many people, and the network of friendships she harbored was astounding. So much so, that the list is far too grand for this passage. Our family would like to mention to each of her friends that without you, her life would not have been so enriched. She held a great unity with her fellow parishioners of Maranatha Chisago Lakes Campus and found comfort by the insightful words and companionship of the pastor, William Headley. Carolyn Mary also has family on the East Coast that love her dearly and whose support we felt throughout the years and over the miles. In her final weeks, she often said that she was so grateful for the outpouring of love. In those last days, she was so blessed to know that so many people loved and cared for her—these expressions were simply a reflection of the genuine care and compassion Carolyn shared with so many. A quote from her grandson Tyler might best summarize her life essence when he movingly said at his high school graduation commencement, "I was taught unconditional love from my grandmother"

Carolyn Mary lived a humble life and by doing so, she was able to focus on the most important values; spreading peace, harmony, joy, and love wherever God might lead her. She worked most of her career in the library of White Bear Senior High's South Campus.  Her adorably quirky personality shown brightly, and she would share her memorable interactions full-heartedly. She would use nicknames, like 'Bud,' for students when she could not pronounce their name, and once in response, a student said, "But I not Bud." Also, she had an affinity for the judicial system and would frequently say that if she were born in a more progressive generation, she would have proudly been a part of the police force. Instead, Carolyn graciously volunteered as an assistant for the bailiffs at the local courthouse. There again, she would kindheartedly joke with the defendants brought in for DUI charges, "I guess you should have had a 'V8'!" She also would visit a local nursing home with members of her church, and she would reflect on her quality of life, often jokingly commenting, "At least I still have all my own parts!"

Her faith in God and her Lord Jesus Christ was unwavering and grew to an unfathomable depth throughout her life, especially in trying times, like her terminal struggle with cancer. At the hospital, she would ask the fellow patients if they would like her to pray with them. Her generosity and compassion did not begin during her dying days; instead, she carried Jesus' messages of love wherever she went, and like Him, she too knew how it felt to be persecuted by life's difficulties. However, through the loving support of her fellows and the guiding force of her Savior's compassion, she was lifted into the eternal Light of the Holy Spirit. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.

Please join us as we celebrate the life of Carolyn Mary on Saturday, July 18, 2020, at Maranatha Chisago Lakes Campus, 10963 Lake Blvd, Chisago City, MN 55013. Meet and greet at 10 a.m. Service begins at 11 a.m. with foodservice open house afterward.
 

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