Carolyn Ann (Redhead) Rankin

Carolyn Ann Rankin 1941-2021

Carolyn Ann (Redhead) Rankin, 80, longtime resident of Norwich Connecticut, passed away peacefully June 15, 2021. It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn her passing.

Carolyn was born June 9, 1941 in Norwich Connecticut, daughter of Clarence Redhead and Louise (Schaffhauser) Redhead. She was raised in a loving home which included her dear Aunt Margaret Schaffhauser.

She attended The Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic, CT, where she excelled in business studies. She also enjoyed taking classes at Three Rivers Community College and continued a lifetime of learning. For many years she worked at American Optical and later for the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections as a Records Specialist. She married James H. Rankin in 1959 and later retired in 2003.

She enjoyed knitting, crosswords, cryptoquotes and spending time with family. Carolyn was described as hardworking, honest, generous and humble. She cherished Sunday drives on any day of the week with her devoted daughter Liz and meeting up for coffee with their special friends.  She especially treasured attending events celebrated with family, always arriving early for plays, concerts and little league games. She had a love for searching out trinkets and built many relationships in her quest. She found beauty in people and in simple things.     

Carolyn was predeceased in death by her parents, her son James Rankin Jr., her two sisters Virginia Torok, Bernice Windbigler and numerous aunts and uncles. She is survived by daughter Elizabeth Rankin of Norwich, daughter Theresa Rankin-Carle, son-in law John Carle of Norwich and her three grandsons, Remington Carle of Windsor, CT, Jason Carle of Norwich, CT and Simon Carle of Norwich, CT.

She will be remembered by family and friends and missed by those who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM, Monday, June 21, 2021 at Saints Peter and Paul Church, meeting directly at the Church, 181 Elizabeth Street, Norwich.   Burial to follow at Maplewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Carolyn’s memory to Reliance Health of Norwich.

Cummings- Gagne Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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