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In loving memory of Carolyn Brady. It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing and celebrate the life of Carolyn Lou Courtney Brady, who went to be with the Lord on July 31, 2025, in Warsaw.
A Christmas baby born on Dec. 25, 1940, Carolyn was a devoted Christian, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her steadfast faith and compassionate spirit touched the lives of many.
Born in Fort Wayne, Carolyn grew up the oldest daughter to Jack and Eileen Courtney with her formative years spent in Gas City. The oldest sister to Steve (and wife Sandy, nephews Brian and Cornelius) and Jack (and his wife Sheryl and nieces Alyssa, Arianna and Leah), as well as sister-in-law to Tom Brady (niece Lisa).
A graduate of Mississinewa High School, she went on to receive a degree in education from Ball State University where she met her future husband, Pat. After graduation she embarked on a lifelong passion of teaching. She began as an English, journalism and social studies teacher in Ohio, then in Germany during Pat’s deployment with the Army, and finally in Illinois where they settled to raise their children. She continued her calling as a teacher in the role of a substitute, relishing in the opportunity to surprise her children at school, often unannounced.
Carolyn dedicated her life to her family, her passion for teaching and deep care for others, always at the heart of her work. She was an unwavering mother to Jackie, Steve and Ric and a devoted spouse of 62 years to Pat. She adored her grandchildren with the utmost care and patience, cleverly using simple projects for the greater purpose of demonstrating they were cherished. Carolyn loved deeply, and with a gentle consistency.
Carolyn’s Christian faith was central to all she did. She was active in Bible study fellowship and community Bible study throughout her life. Through the Church she embodied the phrase servant leader: attending Appalachian Service Projects with each of her children teaching the importance of helping others.
Through her faith, commitment to education and loving presence Carolyn touched many lives. She will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Pat; her children: Jackie and her spouse, Thomas, of Round Rock, Texas; Steve and his wife, Jill, of Terre Haute; and Ric of Lisle, Ill. Carolyn was a devoted “Oma” (German for grandmother) to her six grandchildren: Thomas (Angel), Jake (Morgan), Courtney, Eleanor, Jack and Nate. Her kindness, generosity and steadfast love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Carolyn’s life will be celebrated with a service at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and officiated by Brent Sandy. Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A graveside service will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8 at Grant Memorial Park, 1606 W. 26th St., Marion.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Carolyn’s memory be made to the Winona Lake Grace Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, IN 46590 … or donate online at https://www.wlgrace.com/give
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
