Carolyn DiSilvestro

Carolyn T. DiSilvestro, 89, of Jackson passed away Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, at Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Oct. 24, 1923, in Philadelphia to Fred and Christina Rockbach McCutcheon. She and Daniel "Danny" DiSilvestro were married Oct. 25, 1941, in Philadelphia. They had been married 59 years when Danny passed away Dec. 2, 2000.

Carolyn and Danny raised their three children and worked in the Philadelphia and New Jersey areas, where Carolyn worked many years as a mail carrier. Later, their daughter moved to the St. Louis area, and Danny and Carolyn later followed her. They resided several years in Desloge, Mo., and were happy help raise their granddaughter, Heather. In 2003, after Heather's marriage, Carolyn moved to Jackson to be near her.

Soon, Heather had two little boys of her own. They were as crazy about her as she was about them. Carolyn genuinely loved all children and had a special knack for remembering their latest accomplishments and recent funnies.

Carolyn suffered years with macular degeneration and complete hearing loss, but she refused to let it be a barrier in her relationships. She enjoyed being with people to the very end, and especially liked long visits with friends. The Lord blessed her with just enough vision to still see large written print, and she continued to read notes and email family and friends as recently as six weeks ago.

Carolyn will be remembered for her charm and witty remarks. Despite her physical restrictions, she always took the high road and stayed positive. She was warm, personable and hospitable, always offering refreshments to her visitors, and wishing they would never leave.

Carolyn was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson.

Loving survivors include a son, Patrick DiSilvestro of Seaford, Del.; two granddaughters, Heather (Chris) Head and their sons Mason and Griffin of Milton, Fla., and Sandy DiSilvestro of New Jersey; a sister, Alice McCutcheon; and a brother.

Carolyn will also be missed by her friends, Shirley (Carl) Patterson of Cape Girardeau, Christi (Rick) Guilliams, Carol (David) Bill, all of Jackson; friends at church; and the kind staff at Ratliff Care Center who quickly learned to appreciate her.

She was preceded in death by her husband; two children, Michael DiSilvestro (1998) and Carol Ann DiSilvestro (2007); and three siblings, Marie Czuczman, Viola Kirwan and Fred McCutcheon.

Cremation accorded by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. Burial is private at St. Francis Memorial Park Cemetery near Desloge.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Jackson Senior Center.