Carolyn Carol Gillen

Carolyn "Carol" Gillen, 72, of St. Joseph Township, died Monday, June 5, 2023, at her home.
A Mass celebrating her life will be held at Noon on Tuesday, June 20, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Benton Township. The visitation will be held on Monday, June 19, from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Fairplain Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in Benton Township with a Rosary at 7 PM. Cremation will follow the Mass and burial of the ashes will be in Texas. Memorials in her name can be made to SS.John Bernard Parish, Macedonia Community Church, or Harbor House Adult Daycare. Please share messages or memories at www.florin.net.
Carol was born on May 10, 1951 in Berrien Center to Irby Dean Briggs and Martha Gillen. Martha married Nathaniel Lipkins and he was also a father to Carol. She was a veteran of the US Army where she was a member of the 524th Engr. Co. from 1980 to 1984. Carol was a truck driver in construction with Klett's Construction for 13 years and then was employed by Kalin Construction for 10 years before she retired in May of 2015. She was proud of being a truck driver and was one of the best. All of the construction workers could tell when she was coming because of the perfume that she wore. Carol liked to smell good and always kept her nails polished. She was a member of the SS John-Bernard Parish and prayed often for others. Carol enjoyed fishing, bowling in her younger years, and going to casinos. She also loved to barbecue for family and friends, and was known for her ribs. Carol also loved animals, especially her dogs. She had a beautiful smile, was strong-willed, and liked to be funny. Carol was a giving individual who always cared about others, and will be missed by many.
Her family includes her sister, Barbara Hayes-Libby of San Antonio, TX, Her brother Arton (Connie) Briggs of South Bend and her sister-of-the-Heart, Tammy O'Brien, of St. Joseph Township and a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Nathaniel Lipkins, John Lipkins, Jimmy Briggs and Carl Briggs and 1 nephew, Dwayne Lipkins.