Quiet Strength, Deep Faith: Meet Carolyn
Robin Wilson
Meet Carolyn, one of those quiet, dedicated volunteers who genuinely prefers the background to the spotlight. When asked to be featured, her immediate response was that many others were far more deserving. But Carolyn’s life of service, resilience, and quiet impact is exactly what makes her a cornerstone of our community.
Growing up in the Midwest as one of seven children to a pastor and a schoolteacher, Carolyn learned early on the values of faith, education, and community responsibility. She carried these principles into a fulfilling 30-year career as an elementary general music teacher.
Beyond her professional life, Carolyn has poured her heart into a wonderful family. She is the proud mother of one daughter, a grandmother of three grandchildren and a blessed great-grandmother to two great-grandchildren. Her entrepreneurial spirit also shines through her long-term dedication to her community; she has been selling Avon since 1980, a business she proudly took over from her daughter when she went away to college.
Life, however, has tested Carolyn’s strength. She has twice walked the difficult path of losing a spouse. In 1991, her first husband, Bob of 30 years, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Carolyn stepped away from teaching to cherish their final two years together, facing widowhood at just 51. Years later, she found love again through early online dating with her second husband, coincidentally, also named Bob! A charismatic retired police officer, he brought joy and adventure back into her life for 18 years before his passing in 2022. Through both losses, Carolyn credits her faith, church family, and inherent resilience for guiding her through the heaviest seasons of grief.
Today, at 86, Carolyn is a vibrant force in her community. An avid walker and tennis player, she channels her energy into making the world a better place. For Carolyn, faith isn’t passive; it drives her belief in political activism. She stays deeply involved in the political landscape, actively campaigning, marching, and voting in local and national elections to advocate for the values she holds dear.
In addition to volunteering at her church and the Sun Lakes Memory Café, Carolyn brought her gifts to Neighbors Who Care about three years ago. As a front office receptionist, her soft-spoken kindness and steady, welcoming presence offers a lifeline of comfort to the seniors we serve.
Carolyn is living proof that a life rooted in faith, strength, and lifelong volunteerism can bring immense joy and purpose, even though life’s toughest chapters. We are incredibly grateful to have her on our team.
Are you looking for a place to find your joy in volunteering? Consider reaching out to Neighbors Who Care. We can help you help others!
First participants of Dementia Friends Information Session.
Become a Dementia Friend: Join Our Free Community Information Session
Did you know that you can make a profound difference in the lives of those touched by dementia in just one hour?
Neighbors Who Care, in partnership with The Next Care Senior Care Solutions, invites you to a free, one-hour Dementia Friends Information Session. This interactive event is designed to help community members understand what dementia is, how it affects our neighbors, and the simple, everyday actions we can all take to create a more supportive environment.
What You Will Learn
Through engaging activities and practical information, attendees will discover:
* The Reality of Dementia: What the condition actually is and how it impacts a person’s daily life.
* Small Actions, Big Impact: Simple things you can do to turn your new understanding into practical support.
* Community Awareness: How we can work together to make our neighborhoods more inclusive and welcoming for individuals living with dementia and their care partners.
Everyone is welcome! This session is completely free and open to all members of the community.
Event Details
* Date: Friday, July 17
* Time: 10 to 11:00 a.m.
* Location: Neighbors Who Care, 10450 E. Riggs Rd, Ste 113, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.
Space is limited so call Neighbors Who Care at 480–895-7133 to reserve your spot today!
Come lend an hour of your time to learn, connect, and help us build a more compassionate, Dementia Friendly community. We look forward to seeing you there!
Realtors Who Care Bring Seniors Together for a Day of Friendship, Fun, and Community
Jenny Sanderson
On May 14, local seniors enjoyed an afternoon filled with laughter, music, friendship, and community spirit at First Baptist Church during a special event hosted by Realtors Who Care (RWC).
The event was a shining example of Realtors Who Care’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting local seniors. Through their generosity, dedication, and thoughtful planning, RWC created a welcoming environment where attendees could gather, connect, and enjoy a day focused on companionship and fun.
Guests were treated to a delicious lunch provided by Realtors Who Care, offering an opportunity to relax, socialize, and spend quality time with friends and neighbors.
The afternoon’s entertainment was provided by DJ Jamal, whose lively music kept spirits high throughout the event. Clients enthusiastically participated in several rounds of music bingo, with lucky winners taking home Safeway gift cards.
One of the most memorable moments of the day came when members of the Realtors Who Care team took to the dance floor for a spirited rendition of the Hokey Pokey. Their enthusiasm quickly spread throughout the room, bringing smiles and laughter as several clients joined in the fun.
While the activities and entertainment were enjoyed by all, the true impact of the event was the sense of connection it fostered. Social gatherings like these play an important role in helping older adults remain engaged and connected to their community. The time spent together created lasting memories and reminded participants that they are valued and supported.
Transportation to and from the event was provided through the Realtors Who Care and Neighbors Who Care van services, ensuring that everyone who wished to attend had the opportunity to participate.
Neighbors Who Care extends its heartfelt gratitude to Realtors Who Care for their outstanding commitment to local seniors. Their generosity, compassion, and dedication to serving others made this special day possible. We also thank the volunteers, organizers, DJ Jamal, and community partners who contributed to the event’s success.
Through events like this, Realtors Who Care continues to demonstrate that supporting seniors goes beyond providing services—it means creating opportunities for connection, joy, and belonging. When organizations invest in their community with such care and compassion, everyone benefits.
Neighbors Who Care Van Gets a Fresh New Look!
Jenny Sanderson
Thanks to the generosity of our incredible donors, the Neighbors Who Care van has received a fresh new look! This vehicle plays an important role in helping us serve older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout our community, and we are excited to have it looking its best.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dignity Health, Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation, Intel Corporation, Lions International, and Sundt Construction for their generous support. Their contributions made this project possible and helps ensure we can continue providing essential services to our neighbors in need.
Thank you for investing in our mission and helping us keep our community connected, supported, and cared for—one ride at a time.