Carolyn Dwight
Apr 17, 1941 -
Jan 23, 2025
Carolyn Louise Dwight, 83, of Palmer passed peacefully at home on Jan. 23, 2025. Born in Green Bay, Wis., on Apr. 17,1941, to Gladys and Ewart "Tom" McKenzie, she was a proud big sister to John and Tom. The family lost their beloved Dad in 1946. Soon Gladys moved them to Los Angeles to join parents Albin "Puppa" and Helga "Gugga" Sievertsen. Carolyn enjoyed roller-skating, "helping" Puppa in his carpenter's workshop and Gugga in the kitchen. Scout trips with John and Tom and taking the Los Angeles trolley on solo errands for her lovely, hardworking Mom provided adventure. Carolyn found kindness, camaraderie and lifelong friendship when she met Julia Duenes. In high school she an enthusiastic violinist, athlete, swimmer and surfer—Puppa made her board by hand. Rick got Carolyn's attention at the University of Southern California by offering half of his double popsicle. They married in 1966, with Rick teaching and Carolyn working as a Physical Therapist at Los Angeles Hospital. They moved to Seward, Alaska in 1969, with baby Kirsten, then to Palmer where Kari was born. The community spirit and majestic beauty of Alaska sneakily captured their hearts: they stayed. Carolyn joked about crying when she sold her surfboard, but she became a keen cross-country skier, canoeist and berry picker.
Carolyn thrived as a homemaker, Physical Therapist, Sunday School and Confirmation teacher, choir member, bike-trek leader. She served in many capacities at St. John's Lutheran Church and Women's Aglow Fellowship. Her truest gift was for friendship. Daughters grown, she focused on Physical Therapy, especially enjoying her time at Excel. With Rick she travelled to Norway, the UK and the Lower 48. She loved visiting her daughters, 7 grandchildren and her brothers' families. Latterly she joined Palmer United Protestant Church, enjoying Bible Study, Choir and Bell Choir. Her determination to stay active sustained her, long into her final illness. She was supported at home by 3 generations of Dwights with an excellent professional care team, and much comforted by calls and visits from friends, family and pastors. Carolyn was committed to faith, family and friendship. She would want her many friends to know how deeply she cherished the fellowship of each and every one of you. We will miss her wise counsel, playful humor and boundless zest for life. She truly lived her values, summarized in John 13:34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (NIV) A Service of Thanksgiving for Carolyn's life will be held at Palmer United Protestant Church (https://palmerlogchurch.org) at 12 p.m., Saturday Apr. 26, 2025. Potluck lunch will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to www.palmerfoodbank.org and Palmer United Protestant Church would be gratefully received. The service will be live streamed and remain available to view on https://www.facebook.com/PalmerLogChurch.
