Carolyn Hays Harvey

Carolyn Hays Harvey died on Friday, September 9, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Hospital after a brief illness.

Carolyn was born on February 25, 1929, in Paducah, KY, to the late Rutherford and Bernice (nee: Houser) Hays. She married Richard G. Harvey, Jr. on August 10, 1972.

She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in psychology. She then pursued a successful career in the world of business, working in marketing for Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio, for 15 years before she assumed a managerial position for seven years with Quaker Oats in Chicago, Illinois.

After moving to Racine in 1972, she devoted her organizational and leadership skills to many community organizations. She served on the board of the Racine United Way, Friends of the Library, River Bend Nature Center, the YWCA, Friends of the Wind Point Lighthouse, was a docent at the Racine Art Museum and was a trustee of the Village of Wind Point.

Although she was an excellent cook and a gracious hostess, she enjoyed dining out with friends and family and sampling restaurants on her many travels across the country and throughout Europe.

Carolyn loved learning, solving crosswords, playing bridge and was an avid reader who willingly shared her books. She was a loyal friend, always ready to provide practical help and she had a knack for facilitating and then celebrating others' successes.

Carolyn is survived by her step-daughter, Valerie Harvey of Pittsburgh, PA; her step-sons, Tim Harvey of Naples, Florida, and John Harvey of Bethany, PA; by her grand-nephew, Craig Jackson of Whittier, California; and her cousin, Rose Parrott of Greensburg, Kentucky. She also has eight step-grandchildren, David, Michael, Nada, Ross, Jeffrey (JR), Jacob, Adam and Sarah, along with nine step-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 17. 2011, at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Reverend Liz Simmons officiating. Relatives and friends may meet at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Private interment will be held at Mound Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Health Care Network, Racine Zoo, the University of Kentucky or the Racine Art Museum.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at Wheaton Franciscan and Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine    (262) 634-7888