"To our dear friend, Carolyn: As your family and friends prepare to celebrate your life tomorrow, we are sorrowful we can't be right there with them. We have guided hundreds of people to National Parks, but you, dear lady, will always be one of the very special ones. You were more than a client to us. You were a loyal and devoted friend. Your enthusiasm for life, for nature, and for enriching experiences provided inspiration for so many. On your first trip with us, you were an incredible mentor and support to Tiffany, who was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Having passed through that trial yourself, you were there for her with the spirit of sisterhood. This really buoyed her during a fragile and scary time. You came on several trips with us, and we were looking forward to one more. We wish we could have taken it. You made every trip an adventure, and with childlike curiosity and wonder, you enjoyed every rock and rill. We will cherish the beautiful quilt you made for us. We know you are still present, though your body is laid to rest. We are sure you will be visiting and inspiring your friends and family, and we hope you will continue to come and see us (we could all use a sweet angel). Please know that we will never forget you. "
In loving memory of
Carolyn Marie Jorgensen
December 31, 1945 - February 21, 2020
Carolyn Marie Jorgensen, 74, of Eyota, MN, passed away peacefully Friday, February 21, 2020 at Seasons Hospice House.
Carolyn was born December 31, 1945 in Rochester to Hugh and Ruth (Whiting) Cocker. She was a graduate of John Marshall High School and went on to obtain her Associates in Nursing from Rochester Community College. Carolyn started her nursing career at The Mayo Clinic, St. Marys Hospital. After working at St. Marys for many years, Carolyn began to sell candy for Mountain Man Candy for 15 years and became known as "The Candy Lady". She also had owned and operated a craft store in St. Charles for numerous years. After taking a break from nursing, Carolyn decided to go back to nursing and became a hospice nurse for Seasons Hospice. She loved to quilt, make jewelry, paint and travel, especially to National Parks all around the country. She was a caring, independent woman with a sense of adventure.
Carolyn is survived by her children, Eric Jorgensen of Rochester, Andrea Neill of Littleton, CO; sisters, Randa (Lucirdes) Ferreira, Kathy (Allen) Spurger, Anita (Ed) Montgomery, Beverly (Ellis Gooch) Gilbertson, Cynthia Millar (Pat Sullivan); numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Ruth.
A celebration of Carolyn's life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held 5:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2020 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be held at Pilot Mound Cemetery, Fillmore County. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Jorgensen family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"I am Maggie Spikes sister - we were on the same National Parks tour last Sept. We had the pleasure of meeting Carolyn during our week together. She was up for anything! On the last night of our trip she surprised us with her amazing hand made jewelry pieces; we each got to take a piece home and that we will treasure. What a kind person to make us all feel special when she barely knew us; she lit up when she gave Tiffany and Cory the hand-made quilt...It made her happy to see their joy. "Treasure friends you make along the way" I think Carolyn would like that sentiment. God Bless you all. Jenny Poulos "
"I had the privilege of getting to know Carolyn last September on our National park trip. She was so kind, and had a wonderful spirit & appreciation for being outside in nature. Her energy for adventure was inspiring. I?m glad I had the opportunity to get to know Carolyn. My deepest sympathy to her family & friends. Maggie Spikes "
"My sympathies to Eric and Andrea at the loss of their mother. I recently connected with Carolyn at our local sewing group. It was fun to listen to her stories of adventures and projects she did. She had many interests. She will be missed."
"My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Carolyn's family. Carolyn was a positive and fun loving lady - SO many talents. Rest in peace my dear friend, Bev Delisle"
"Sending our deepest condolences to you all. Sending thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Carolyn. "
"Andrea and Eric I was so sorry to hear of your mother?s passing . My sympathies to you both. May God Bless you both in your time of sorrow. Sue Beck and Sandra Jorgensen "