Carolyn Marie (Keane) Meyer, 83, of Alton, passed away peacefully in her home on July 4, 2025 with family by her side.
Born on September 27, 1941 in Gilbertsville, Kentucky, Carolyn was the first daughter of Lucille Jeffy (Adams) and James Christopher Keane. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Joyce Ozee of Bethalto, IL, and Ruth Ann Nolen of Henderson, KY.
Carolyn had a lifelong love of books and learning. A devoted student of economics and politics, she brought wisdom and curiosity to every conversation. She was also an accomplished gardener and cook, a wise and caring mother and grandmother, and a devoted wife.
A graduate of Eunice Smith School of Nursing and Webster University, Carolyn dedicated her career to advancing mental health treatment, spending more than 20 years at Alton State Hospital where she retired as an administrator. In retirement, she continued her legacy of care and service by preparing meals for the Oblate novitiates - something she deeply enjoyed.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 55 years, S. Russell Meyer. They married on October 24, 1970 at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Bethalto. Also surviving is her sister, Helen Newton of Newburgh, IN; her children Kathy Duey of Citrus Springs, FL; Tai Hawk of Asheville, NC; Amy Meyer of Las Vegas, NV; and stepdaughter Libby Hubbard of Memphis, TN; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carolyn, with her sharp mind, infectious laugh and signature hat and sunglasses, will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will take place at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf in Godfrey Thursday July 10 from 4-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Alton Friday July 11 at 11:00 a.m. Private burial will take place the following day at the Stutz family cemetery in Dorsey, IL.
Memorials may be made to Ss. Peter and Paul Church or La Vista Ecological Learning Center in Godfrey.
