Carolyn Lois Meyer

Carolyn Lois (Schimnowski) Meyer of Houston, Texas, passed away on April 20, 2016 at the age of 89. She was born in Mountain Lake, Minnesota on August 22, 1926 to Kate Beier and Frank Joseph Schimnowski. She married Harold E. Meyer on April 2, 1946, sharing 31 years of marriage until Harold's untimely death November 8, 1977. Carolyn trained for a career in nursing through the Army Corp of Nurses during WWII in 1946. She was employed by Pasadena General Hospital, Pasadena, Texas and St. Joseph Hospital, Houston, Texas. Carolyn continued her career as an office nurse for Dr. Theo S. Tusa, Sr. in the Esperson Building, Houston, Texas. She showed her appreciation for his kindness by being his friend and bedside nurse during his last days. On her weekends when most families are together, Carolyn also provided home health for those unable to leave their homes. Carolyn continued her giving in her community by always being available day or night to provide comfort and medical advice when children fell ill. Carolyn also touched many lives in the Girl Scouts of America by leading a Brownie troop for several years. Carolyn was a Sunday School teacher for more than 25 years at Zion Lutheran Church, Pasadena, Texas until she got sick 5 1/2 years ago. She loved preparing and presenting Bible lessons to the young children with her friend Ruth Norris. After being widowed in 1977, Carolyn became a foster parent and provided a safe and secure home environment for countless children for more than 25 years. Many stayed in contact after they went home or found new families. Carolyn held a special place in her heart for foster daughter Jenny Wallace who stayed with her for ten years. Her passion and love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren was shown tirelessly by providing loving care, sewing costumes for drama performances and Halloween parties to making her famous potato salad in the yellow ceramic bowl to always being there when one of them was sick. She loved not only her pets but also any stray pet that needed medical care and something to eat. Her love for children crossed the globe when she crocheted hats and scarves for children in the streets of Kosovo. Her love for her family, friends, pets and all that lived was immeasurable and she leaves behind a legacy of selfless kindness and giving that will be forever missed and longed for. Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents Kate and Joseph Schimnowski, sister Crystal Friesen, brother Melvin Schimnowski and granddaughter Amanda Meyer. Carolyn is survived by her brother Kenneth Schimnowski, son DuWayne Meyer and friend Dorothy; son Rick Meyer and wife Rose; son Warren Meyer and wife Brenda; son Donald Meyer and wife Kim; and daughter Patty Wilson and husband Jerry. Grandchildren Vincent, Wendy, Heather, Everett, Anna, Alicia, Jodi, Jamie, Justin, Brittney, Ashley, Trevor and Lyndsey. Carolyn has eleven great grandchildren and two on the way. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and sister-in-law Ramona and brother-in-law John.