Carolyn Marie Homewood (Shilaikis)

Carolyn Marie Homewood (Shilaikis)

June 26, 1926 ~ February 8, 2019

Carolyn Marie Homewood of Montrose, CO peacefully passed away with family by her side at Colorow Care Center in Olathe, CO. Carolyn was born in her grandmother Barbara Ashenbrenner Stefan’s home in Olathe, CO to Peter Adam Shilaikis and Mary Eva (Stefan) Shilaikis on June 26, 1926. Carolyn lived in Telluride at the Tomboy Mine for the first two years of her life. Later the Shilaikis family moved to their farm on Ash Mesa west of Olathe where Carolyn spent her young life to adulthood. Carolyn held a special love for her mother, father and her siblings, Bob, Jack and Marjorie. Carolyn graduated from Olathe High School. As a young lady Carolyn worked at Montrose Memorial Hospital and the Olathe Bank keeping the books by hand.

Carolyn married Howard Homewood in January 1956 at Saint Mary’s in Montrose, CO. Carolyn and Howard were blessed with two children, Patricia and Duane.  Howard and Carolyn made a life together farming and ranching in the Coal Creek area of Montrose, Olathe and Telluride. Carolyn supported her husband in this endeavor as a wonderful homemaker, bookkeeper, harvest crew cook, truck driver and loving wife and mother. Howard and Carolyn enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their ranch in Telluride.

Many friends and family were treated to her gracious hospitality and love of cooking, gardening and canning. She loved to visit and host summer get-togethers with family. Her other enjoyments were embroidery, sewing, playing the piano/organ, reading and making a beautiful home.

A joy in Carolyn’s life were her two grandchildren Christie and Ryan. They hold fond and special memories of Carolyn’s devotion to them and will be forever grateful to her. She recently became a great grandmother to Ava, Ryker and Asher and will love them from Heaven every day.

She was preceded in death by both parents Peter and Mary Shilaikis of Olathe. Husband Howard Homewood, Sister Marge Covey of Phoenix, AZ and brother Robert (Bob) Shilaikis of Olathe, niece Ricki Marie Ochoa of Chicago, Ill.

She is survived by her children Patricia Homewood (Kim Lechleiter), and Duane (spouse Chris Homewood); her grandchildren Christie (spouse Abraham Wilson), Ryan (Jessica Homewood) all of Montrose. Brother Jack (Janine Shilaikis) of Durango, brother-in-law Donald Covey of Phoenix, AZ., Nephew Robert (spouse Shawna Shilaikis) of Durango, Richard Shilaikis of Phoenix, AZ, Doug (Marla Covey) Boise, ID, niece Jan Schmidt, Boise, ID, Jennifer (spouse Matt Bender) of Peoria, AZ, Shauna (spouse Josh Walcott) of Bayfield, CO. Cousin Joni (spouse Corky Warren) of Granbury, TX, Tony (spouse Marian Danti) of Colorado Springs, CO.

The family has found comfort in Carolyn’s passing into Heaven and is at peace with our Lord.

Carolyn was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church of Montrose. She gave of her time and talent taking care of alter linens and baking Eucharist bread for mass.

We would like to thank all who cared for Carolyn during her illness. Sunrise Creek, Colorow Care Center for their kindness and special care for her. Hope West Hospice’s wonderful team of care providers, and Dr. Michael Brezinsky.

The family would like to thank family, friends, and those who have shown their support, care and concern to Carolyn and her family these past years. You may have said a kind word, prepared a meal, sent a card or visited and prayed for Carolyn. We want to let you know how much your acts of kindness meant to her and her family.

A Vigil will be held Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 4 p.m. at Crippin Funeral Home, 802 East Main, Montrose, CO. This will be a time of remembrance to honor Carolyn. Please come and share with the family.

Please join us in funeral services to celebrate Carolyn’s life Monday, February 18, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Montrose, 1855 St. Mary’s Drive, Montrose, CO 81401. The service will conclude at Saint Mary Church. A private burial will be at the Olathe Cemetery in Olathe, CO. with arrangements being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home.