Mary Carolyn Lingenfelter

Mary Carolyn (nee Gailey) Lingenfelter passed away peacefully on October 28th, 29 days short of her sixty-sixth wedding anniversary. Born February 20, 1937, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Clarke and Anita Gailey, Carolyn grew up in Delta, Pennsylvania. She loved her small-town upbringing and carried that warmth with her throughout life. After graduating from Kennard-Dale High School in 1955, she earned her degree in Elementary Education from Beaver College (now Arcadia University), later completing a master's at Cleveland State University and achieving National Board Certification - something she was especially proud of.
Carolyn spent more than thirty years inspiring students in the Mentor and Perry school districts. She believed deeply in the power of words and loved helping her students find their voices through writing. Her involvement with the National Writing Project reflected that same passion - she was a lifelong learner who believed education could truly change lives.
Carolyn married Bob, her college sweetheart, in 1959. Together, they built a life full of laughter, faith, and community. Carolyn and Bob raised three daughters, and gained three wonderful sons-in-laws but her grandchildren were her greatest joy: Carrie Coxwell, Bryan Coxwell, Jake Burnett, Alec Burnett, Chance Burnett, Michael Dorsey, and Mary Emily Dorsey. She and Bob were fixtures on the sidelines and in the audience-attending every cross-country meet, swim meet, and orchestra concert.
A long-time member of Willoughby United Methodist Church, Carolyn enjoyed singing in the choir and serving on church council. She participated in the local Emmaus group and was instrumental in developing the church's Alpha program and small group ministry, always encouraging others to connect more deeply with their faith.
After retiring, Carolyn traded her lesson plans for a camera and a pair of hiking boots. With Bob and their spaniel Gulliver in tow, Carolyn trekked the trails near her home, snapping photos of whatever caught her eye. A lover of all things digital, she shared those moments on her blog, Seen Along the Trail, where she connected with nature lovers and photographers from around the world.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, Clarke and Anita, and her sisters, Jean Rorke and Marjorie Meiser. She is survived by her husband Bob, her three daughters, Gretchen Burnett (Rod), Rebecca Toukonen (Marty), and Alison Dorsey (Mike) and her seven grandchildren. Carolyn will be remembered for her gentle strength. She lived with gratitude and grace. She leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and faith-and a reminder to keep your eyes open, because there's always something beautiful to be seen along the trail.
The family will receive friends at Brickman Bros. Funeral Home, 37433 Euclid Avenue in Willoughby on Friday November 14, 2025 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 15 at 11 AM at Willoughby United Methodist Church, 15 Public Sq, Willoughby, Ohio. Luncheon to follow.
We invite you to visit Carolyn's blog and enjoy her work at https://skip22037.com/.