Carolyn A. Martin

Carolyn A. Martin, age 73, of Lena passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025, at FHN Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family and friends. She was born on December 15, 1951, in Freeport, IL to Howard and Marilyn (Schofield) Keller. She grew up on the family farm in Kent, IL and was a 1970 graduate of Lena-Winslow High School.
She attended Highland Community College where she obtained her associate degree and during her time there, she did an internship at the Stephenson County Probation Department. They enjoyed her so much that they asked her to return while finishing her schooling. She started her family, raising her children in Rockford where she stayed at home with them. In1987, she returned to finish her schooling, graduating in1989 from Rockford College.
After graduating she worked for Winnebago County Juvenile Probation Department for a year. In 1991, she transferred to the Stephenson County Probation Department where she worked for 31 years until her retirement in 2016. During her time with Stephenson County, Carolyn and some of her coworkers started Havenwood Home for girls in Freeport, IL because they saw a void in their area. She eventually became the president of the establishment and that same group later started a boy's home in Freeport that is still running today.
Carolyn loved reading, crosswords, and family time. She especially enjoyed reading her bible and worship books, making notes wherever she could. If you knew Carolyn you knew she had a nurturing soul, giving a listening ear and giving advice when you needed it. Many people considered her a mother figure.
She is survived by 2 children- Raechelle Martin (Aurthur Broge) of Lena, IL and Chad (Kimberly J.) Martin of Yorkville, IL. 2 grandchildren- Kali Brinkmeier and Kara Martin. Brothers- Robert Brown and Charles (Nancy) Brown, numerous nieces and nephews and special friend-Justina Kidd.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son in infancy William A. Martin Jr, sister Darla Keller, and sister-in-law Ruth Brown.
A visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00pm on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
A private family burial will be held at a later date at the Kent Lutheran Cemetery in Kent, IL.
A memorial has been established in her memory.
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