Carloyn Wolthusen

Carolyn Sue Wolthusen, formerly of Glen Ellyn, IL, passed away suddenly on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026 in Los Alamos, New Mexico. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was born on February 22, 1949, in Sabetha, Kansas. Carolyn's life was marked by a love of family, a passion for knowledge, and an unmistakable spirit that touched all who knew her.

Carolyn’s journey was one of steadfast dedication to learning and vibrant curiosity. She graduated from Addison Trail High School in Addison IL in 1967. She was a proud “later in life” graduate of Roosevelt University’s Evelyn T. Stone College of Professional Studies in Schaumburg, IL in 2001 where she earned a Bachelor of Professional Studies. Her professional life included years of work in merchandising, retail, technical writing, and bookkeeping.

Those who were fortunate enough to know Carolyn admired her many quirks, which added color, warmth, and laughter to every moment spent with her. These idiosyncrasies, small but significant, will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving parents, Kenneth and Maggie Chase, dearest stepmother Marjorie Darlene Chase, and James Wolthusen, the father of her children.

Her greatest pride and joy came from her role as a mother and grandmother. Carolyn is survived by her cherished daughters, Amy Schmuck (Alan) of Los Alamos, NM and Shelley Hendrickson (Eric) of Villa Park, IL; her treasured grandchildren Cole Isaacson, Adam Schmuck (Yigit), Levi Hendrickson, and Connor Schmuck; her siblings, Peggy Iniguez, Pat Monfore, and Bill Chase; her uncle, Lyle Chase, many cousins, and extended family who will miss her deeply.

Beyond her family, Carolyn found solace and joy in the lushness of nature. An avid hiker and devoted bird watcher, she treasured the serenity these activities brought. She was also an enthusiastic reader and committed lifelong learner, always seeking to expand her horizons. She recently found renewed faith and connection with many fellow Christians at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Los Alamos, NM. This new part of her life offered her comfort and guidance, anchoring her in times of joy and challenge alike. She deeply enjoyed meeting new people at the Pajarito Environmental Education Center of Los Alamos, and she recently joined the Faith and Science Book Study group. Other passions include art, music, particularly the Beatles, and epic phone calls with her family and friends.

Though she left us suddenly, the profound impact of her kindness, her humor, and her loving spirit will endure.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on May 30, 2026 at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Los Alamos at 3:00 PM with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, Carolyn would be proud of memorials made in her honor to either Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Los Alamos, NM (www.bethluth.com) or the Pajarito Environmental Education Center in Los Alamos (https://peecnature.org/) .