Carolyn O. Edwards

Carolyn O. Edwards, 86 years, 4 months, 27 days, passed away on January 13, 2025, in Essentia Health.

Carolyn Olive Babolian was born on Wednesday, August 17, 1938, in St. James, Minnesota to Joe and Olive Babolian. She is the oldest of ten children. The family moved about rural Minnesota until 1955. The three girls and seven Babolian boys all grew up on a farm in Glyndon, MN with a view of Concordia Lutheran Church. Shortly after their move, Carolyn attended Glyndon High School and graduated in 1958.

The Babolian family's work ethic served as one of Carolyn's best traits throughout her life. She took great care in her role as oldest child and could frequently be caught checking in on the lives of her little siblings.

In 1960, while working at the Comstock Hotel in downtown Moorhead, she met Edwin L. Edwards. Carolyn married the love of her life, Edwin, on March 4, 1961, at Glyndon Lutheran Church in Glyndon, MN. It wasn't long after that they started their family. After living in Glyndon, Minot, Dilworth, and Grand Forks, they settled in Moorhead, MN, to raise their four children, Eileen, Colleen, Michael, and Ernest.

Carolyn was a social butterfly and loved to keep herself busy. She held a position at K-Mart, US Bank, and was a safety guard at recess while her kids went through school. Later on she was a lunch server at NDSU as well as at the middle and high schools in Moorhead.

Carolyn was a mover and shaker. She couldn't be settled down. While Eddie was out at work Carolyn and her neighbor gals would drink coffee, go on walks, and catch up on all the happenings. After school she was busy getting the kids to lots of activities like Cub Scouts and Campfire Girls. Carolyn also greatly enjoyed ceramics, embroidery, knitting, and reading. She was known for making lamps for the home, afghans, and blankets that were donated to the VA Hospital in Fargo.

Carolyn's greatest love was her family. Her home cooked meals of hot dogs, hamburgers, liver, and onions were some of the meals that left a lasting impression. Her and Eddie would take the kids on frequent trips to Plankinton, SD to be with family. At a time when the speed limit was only 55 MPH, Polka parties helped make the long car drives go by more quickly (but the jury is still out).

As Carolyn grew older she enjoyed her frequent calls with her kids and siblings and holidays with her grandkids.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Edwin; her beautiful daughter, Colleen; her parents, Olive and Joe Babolian; two brothers; and many beloved pets.

She is survived by her daughter, Eileen L. Kilian, Fargo; her sons, Michael (Donna), Sioux Falls, SD and Ernest, Edina, MN; two grandchildren, Rachael and Matthew, Sioux Falls, SD; two sisters, five brothers; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Into your hands, Lord, we give back your servant, Carolyn.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour before the service at Concordia Lutheran Church, rural Glyndon, MN.

Final resting place will be in the church cemetery at a later date.