Obituary: Carolyn J. Anderson
Author: Family of Carolyn J. Anderson
Carolyn J. Anderson
Family of Carolyn J. Anderson
Carolyn J. (Quinn) Anderson, 85, died on January 18, 2024 at Brethren Care Village in Ashland, Ohio.
She was in the constant presence of many family members and friends for many days prior, and was with one of her sons when she passed quietly, and peacefully in the early morning of the 18th. She had just recently been diagnosed with a very aggressive and fast moving form of cancer in December.
Per her wishes, there will be no funeral, with half her ashes to be buried with her late daughter Christina Lynn Newcomb in Brinkhaven, Ohio, and the other half buried with her late husband Gerry in Townsend, Montana.
Carolyn was able to enjoy a very happy and joyous 85th Birthday party in her honor on January 10th, with family coming from all over the U.S. to help her celebrate, including Florida, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Iowa, North Dakota and Alaska.
Carolyn J. Quinn was born on January 10, 1939 in Tampa, Florida. She attended school in Ashland, Ohio, and in Florida during the winter when her parents, Dan and Maxine Quinn, would relocate part of the family business, (Willo’ Dell Nursery), south for the winter months. She was very fortunate in her youth to travel extensively, and also to attend trade conventions with her parents, and little brother “Danny”.
After high school, Carolyn married John D. Newcomb. John and Carolyn had four children together, Christina, Scott, Mark and Bryon. They built their family home together on Paradise Hill Road in Ashland where they lived for many years, until divorcing in 1971.
Carolyn relocated to Naples, Florida where she worked at a law firm that had one or two other “Carolyns” on staff, and she picked up the nickname of “Kelly” to help tell everyone apart, and the nickname stuck!
It was in Naples that she met, and later married Gerald “Gerry” Anderson. Gerry’s son Todd joined them, and Todd became Carolyn’s fourth son, who she helped raise as her own.
Carolyn and Gerry were always up for the next adventure. That adventurous spirit and their work eventually led them to live and work in Naples, Florida; Cripple Creek, Colorado; Wasilla and Big Lake, Alaska; East Helena, Montana; and finally in Townsend, Montana.
It was in Townsend where they built their dream home on the side of a mountain overlooking the headwaters of the Missouri River. While there, she enjoyed many happy visits by her Grandsons from North Dakota, John and David Newcomb, watching them grow up, and being a part of her life.
After many happy years there, Gerry passed away in August of 2017 at the age of 82.
A year or so after Gerry’s passing, she and her constant companion Skye the dog, moved back to Ashland, Ohio. There, she was able to occasionally help with the family business at Willo’ Dell Nursery again, whenever a bit of extra help was needed by her brother Dan or sister-in-law Susie. During the winter months, she was even able to live in the house where she grew up.
She still enjoyed traveling whenever she could. She traveled to Alaska with her daughter-in-law Cheryl Newcomb in 2021 where she was able to see her son Todd, her grandson Dyllin, and her new grandson Strauder. She also made her winter trips to Naples, Florida where she still enjoyed fast boat rides with her son Scott and brother Dan.
By far, her absolute favorite joys in life came from her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was fortunate to enjoy many family and school functions with her son Mark and daughter-in-law Sharon’s family in Ohio, and never missed the family get togethers at Mark and Sharon’s cottage on Pleasant Hill Lake. She was also recently treated to a very fun and very special visit by one of her son Bryon’s children, her grandson Tim and his wife Kaye from Iowa. She truly treasured every moment she was able to spend with all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Carolyn is survived by her sons Scott (Cheryl) Newcomb of North Dakota and Naples, Florida; Mark (Sharon) Newcomb of Granville, Ohio; Bryon Newcomb of Burlington, Iowa; and Todd Anderson of Chugiak, Alaska. Grandchildren Heather (Jon) Downes, Travis (Jenny) Newcomb, Ashley (Luis) Campos, Cody (Sofia) Newcomb, Tim (Kaye) Newcomb, John Newcomb, David Newcomb, Dyllin (Heather) Anderson, Cherilyn Anderson and Strauder Anderson. Great Grandchildren Harley Newcomb, Jack, Will, and Quinn Downes, Natalie and Collin Newcomb; Brother Dan (Susie) Quinn, and niece Julie (Greg) Alberty.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her daughter Christina Lynn Newcomb, husband Gerry, special daughter-in-law Laurie Newcomb, and parents Dan and Maxine Quinn.
Our extended family want to give thanks to those who helped Carolyn in these hectic last weeks including the staff at University Hospital in Ashland, (especially the ER staff), the very attentive staff at Brethren Care, family friend Terry Morr, her many friends that have helped her along the way, and a very special thanks to Carolyn’s life-long friends Dave and Kay Braden.
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PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Family of Carolyn J. Anderson
Image 1 Caption: Carolyn J. Anderson
Photo Credits: Family of Carolyn J. Anderson
