Carolyn Louise Maynard (nee Doenges), 88, of New London, died Sunday, July 9, 2023 at Keystone Pointe in LaGrange. Born on March 9, 1935 in Traverse City, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Russell and Georgia (nee Story) Doenges. Following graduation, Carolyn worked briefly as a secretary for Michigan Bell while the love of her life, Edmund Maynard, was serving his country during the Korean War. Carolyn and Ed moved to Ohio in the early 1960s living in Elyria, Grafton and finally in New London.

Carolyn loved anything freshly grown and always had a large garden. When in season, strawberry shortcake would sometimes be offered as a meal! She was even known to serve just sweet corn if the picking was good. She loved to watch anything grow and was an expert in preserving jams, jellies and garden goodies. One of her greatest pleasures was offering her goodies to others. Her flower gardens were beautiful. Again, she enjoyed sharing either plants or seeds that she harvested and would save for the next year. She was an excellent seamstress, quilter and knitted for her family, who never did without freshly knitted mittens, scarfs and hats.

In her youth, Carolyn lived on a farm where she learned about hunting and trapping from her father, and she could pluck a chicken and even skin muskrats! Their Michigan farm relied on draft horses, and during WWII she would be pulled from school to help with potato harvesting. She enjoyed hard work and helping others, always embracing a "can-do" attitude. She and her husband built a total of three large barns together over their lifetime as well as the house where they lived in New London.

Carolyn and her husband were active members of the LaGrange Engine Club for many years serving as an officer when needed. Many people may remember her as being in charge of the flea market at the annual LaGrange Engine Show in Wellington. She enjoyed spending time outdoors with nature and keeping track of the herd of deer in their backyard. She cared for wild birds year-round and enjoyed animals of all kinds.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, Edmund. Carolyn is survived by her children, Melody (Michael) Uszak, of Rome City, IN, Michael (Michele) Maynard, of Vermilion, and Pamela (Glen) Norris, of LaGrange; 6 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, July 20th, from 10 a.m. until the time of services beginning at 12 p.m. at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main St, Wellington. Burial will take place on Friday, July 21st at East Hesperia Cemetery in Hesperia, Michigan, beginning at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carolyn's memory may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association. Expressions of sympathy may be directed online at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.