Went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 13, 2023.
Carolan was born September 13, 1927, to Marion J. and Rosa Bradley Mayo, and was a lifelong resident of St. Louis. After graduating from Roosevelt High School and Harris Teachers College, she taught kindergarten at Fremont School. While obtaining her masters degree at the University of Missouri, she met Roland Van Heest at a church social and they married June 20, 1952, a marriage that lasted almost 55 years until his death. They had four children, all who survive: Rosalynn (Del) Koch, Gwendolyn (Leo) Kelley; Walt (Linda) and Roland (Cindy) Van Heest, thirteen grandchildren: Paul and Daniel Koch; Elizabeth Koch Hancock, Ben and James Kelley; Lauren Welker; and Nicholas, Rachel, Andrew, Rebekah, Hannah, Jonathan, and Calvin Van Heest; and two great-grandchildren.
Along with her loving husband, Carolan was preceded in death by two beloved sisters, Rhoda Mayo Warren and Marion Mayo Mabuce, as well as her dear nephews John Mullins and Stephen Mabuce. She is survived by her precious sister and best friend Cora Mayo Mullins and her dear nieces and nephews Allen Warren, Carol de Groot, Barbara Hofford, Bradley Mabuce, Patrick and Robert Mullins, and Lori Wrobel; as well as a multitude of dear friends.
Carolan was beloved for her enthusiasm, kindness, friendliness to all, gracious hospitality, wisdom, and cheerfulness. Along with adventures with her many friends, her calendar included a plethora of birthdays, which she always remembered with gifts, cards, and phone calls. She and Roland enjoyed games and puzzles with family, and took an active interest in current affairs.
Above all, she treasured her relationship with her Savior Jesus Christ, to whom she committed her life. She and Roland were charter members of Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church, which began its first meetings in their home. For many years she taught Sunday School and Vacationn Bible School. She continually encouraged her children, grandchildren, and others to “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” While she is lost to her loved ones for a time, she is gained to eternity, feeling joy unspeakable and full of glory looking on the face of her Creator.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois, on Friday, March 24, 5-8:00 PM with funeral service Saturday, March 25 at 10:30 AM at Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church, 9124 Sappington Rd. Interment Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to National Life Chain,lifechain.org/give or National Day of Prayer Task Force, nationaldayofprayer/donate appreciated.
I am unspeakably grateful for having known Carolan. I am so sorry for our loss, for we all have lost a big piece of the beauty of this world. Grief is tempered, though by the overwhelming grace of having known her.
I treasure the memory of her lifelong friendship with my mother, Jackie Pritchett (Obst). As her caretaker, I am daily reminded why they are called the “Greatest Generation”. I treasure the memory of their life-long friendship, and my childhood and adult life shaped by knowing Carolan. Her graciousness and kindness. Her humility and faith. What a blessing she gave us all with her whole life! Heaven is truly more glorious now that Carolan is home.
I am unspeakably grateful for having known Carolan. I am so sorry for our loss, for we all have lost a big piece of the beauty of this world. Grief is tempered, though by the overwhelming grace of having known her.
I treasure the memory of her lifelong friendship with my mother, Jackie Pritchett (Obst). As her caretaker, I am daily reminded why they are called the “Greatest Generation”. I treasure the memory of their life-long friendship, and my childhood and adult life shaped by knowing Carolan. Her graciousness and kindness. Her humility and faith. What a blessing she gave us all with her whole life! Heaven is truly more glorious now that Carolan is home.