Carolyn Jonas

JONAS, Carolyn
of Kalamazoo, Michigan Passed away on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Carolyn was born on April 3, 1944 in Lafayette, Indiana, daughter of Howard A. and Capitola T. Brickler Knicklebine. She married George M. Jonas Jr. on June 20, 1964, and they were together for over 38 years of marriage until George's passing in March 2003. She often spoke of her good memories as a girl in rural Indiana, spending time reading alone outdoors, and she was a lifelong avid reader. Carolyn was a graduate of Brookston Indiana High School, and earned an Associates Degree as a Medical Secretary from Elkhart Indiana University. After spending many years being a wonderful mom to her children, she returned to a successful career and retired in 1998 after over ten years as Office Manager for Kalamazoo Neuropsychology P.C. She found much enjoyment and accomplishment in cross-stitching, and our family is left with many beautiful examples of her work. She also enjoyed collecting antique figurines, pottery, and glassware, and spent many weekend afternoons antique-shopping with her sister Pat and her daughter Jeni. Carolyn cherished her memories of travelling to Sanibel Island, Florida and Disney World with George, after his retirement from the US Government. Her sister Pat was also a frequent travelling companion, and 'the twins' had many great adventures together. Carolyn was and is a source of deep inspiration to her family. She lived a strong, willful life in the face of multiple medical challenges, the death of an infant son, and the passing of her husband. Her courage was always evident in her approach to life's adversities, taking 'one day at a time', and by virtue of this, she is a shining example to us all. Although she has gone, her spirit remains with all of us. Carolyn was preceded in death by her mother and father, her infant son, and by her husband George. She is survived by her sister Pat Heck, her beloved companion Tootsie, and three children and their spouses: Douglas Anjanette Jonas of Richland, Christine Douglas Lewis of Wilmington, NC, and Jennifer Stephen Chaffin of Portage. Also surviving are her five beloved grandchildren, Mackenzie and Alexandria Jonas of Richland, Samantha and Maxwell Lewis of Wilmington, NC, and Ariana Chaffin of Portage. She is also survived by an uncle, Albert H. Knicklebine, of Pueblo, Colorado. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. The family will hold a private Memorial Service in Carolyn's honor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.