Obituary of Carolyn R. Zumbrun

Carolyn R. Zumbrun, 70, of Fairway Drive, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 28, 2012. She was born on January 27, 1942, in Utica, NY, daughter of Arnold L. Zumbrun and Florence Grannis Zumbrun and raised by her father and step-mother, Dorcas P. Zumbrun. She graduated with high honors from Clinton Central School, SUNY at Oswego and Syracuse University, earning three teaching certificates in Elementary Reading and Emotionally Handicapped Education. She taught for five years in public schools in Suffern, NY and Oriskany, NY. She then joined the faculty of Crane Hill School in Marcy and moved to Pinefield at Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center where she taught handicapped children and adults for over 30 years. Carolyn tutored many children and young adults for years, building numerous skills and more importantly, at times, confidence to succeed. She also volunteered at the House of the Good Shepherd. After retirement, she substituted at New York Mills School for eight years. Carolyn travelled extensively in the US, Canada, Europe and Mexico. She also visited Africa and Hawaii with her special friend Robert Hummel. She was a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Oriskany Retirees Organization, Oswego and Syracuse Alumni, Retired Public Employee and AARP. Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, stepmother, sister, Eunice Stores, brother, Robert Zumbrun, sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Zumbrun, her special friend Robert Hummel and her dog Teddy. She is survived by her brother, Charles (Pat) Zumbrun of Florida, sister Judith (Edward) Bentley of Clinton, and brother-in-law, Edward (Anne) Stores of Wyoming, NY; ten nieces and nephews, Christine (Neal) Delay of Syracuse, Deborah Bentley (Lou Diana) of Utica, NY, Susan (Kenneth) Eisnor of Vernon, NY, Edward (Deborah) Bentley of Verona, NY, Rebecca (Dan) Kempney of Clay, NY, Sanford (Cathy) Zumbrun of Florida, Arnold (Colleen) Zumbrun of Rome, NY, Heidi (Scott) Dills of Wyoming, NY, Edward (Tina) Stores of Wyoming, NY and Jacqueline (John) Iovieno of Pittsfield, MA; and sixteen beloved great-nieces and nephews, Kenny, Kyle, Kevin, Eddie, Samantha, Kayla, Hannah, Jessa, Eddie, Emmitt, Olivia, Elena, Sammy, Anna, Arnold and Tanner. She also leaves several great friends and neighbors, namely Cecelia McGauley and thanks to her devoted neighbor Sue Morgan who always kept an eye on Carolyn. All are invited to call (today) Sunday, December 30, 2012 from 1-4pm followed by the funeral at 4pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc, 35 College St, Clinton. Burial will be at 1pm Monday, December 31, 2012 at Kirkland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Abraham House, 1203 Kemble St, Utica, NY 13501, Operation Sunshine, 14 Clinton Place, Utica, NY 13501 or a charity of your choice.