Carolyn Elanor Kennedy, of Taylor, passed away peacefully at home on March 26, 2026, at the age of 91.

She was the loving mother of Darrell (Rhonda), of North Carolina, and Brian, of Lincoln Park, and the proud grandmother of Kimberly, Katie, James Robert, Christine, Michael, Jason, Derrick, Dustin, Matthew, Heather, Kelly, and Brian, as well as many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert; her daughter, Lorri; her son, Russell; her parents, Sylvia (Schroeder) Riedel and Frederick S. Riedel; her sisters, Jerlene Erkfritz and Sherol Koskela; and her brother, Frederick H. She is survived by her sister, Trudy (Richard) Hergesheimer of British Columbia, Canada.

Born on August 8, 1934, in Detroit, Carolyn was proud of her Michigan roots and her large family. She often reminisced about her childhood, recalling days spent riding horses along the dirt roads near her family's farmhouse on 12 Mile Road.

During World War II, when her brother Fred was called to serve, Carolyn stepped up to help maintain the family home, learning to repair the barn, milk the cow, and even work on the family car, early signs of the grit and determination that would define her life. As a teenager, she helped her parents care for dozens of foster children through a Lutheran Family Services program, a role that reflected her sense of responsibility.

After graduating from Highland Park Community High School in 1952, Carolyn married her high school sweetheart, Robert, and together they built a life in Taylor, where they raised their four children. As her family grew, she took great joy in welcoming each new grandchild, proudly displaying their photos in her home. Her grandchildren, and their children, will cherish her memory.

Carolyn was blessed with the companionship of her dear friends, Judy and Pam, who remained by her side in her final days, ensuring she was surrounded by comfort, dignity, and love.

The family suggests donations to the City of Taylor Animal Shelter.