Carolyn Rae Kinney

Carolyn Rae Kinney, age 88, a 34-year resident of Lake Bluff, Illinois passed away after a long illness, on November 11, 2023. Carolyn was born in Minneapolis MN, the daughter of Raymond and Ebby Peterson. The youngest of five, she moved with her parents to Burbank, California at age nine and lived there until marriage to her beloved Kent, on October 17, 1959 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hollywood California. They journeyed together for 63 years in marriage and church ministry, with three children and eight grandchildren and a trail of blessings. Whether as a wife, mother, grandmother or in countless other roles – including 35 years as an orthodontic lab technician—she was a deeply cherished friend, leader, and role model for all who knew her. Along with Kent, her sparkling personality led to the creation of lifetime friendships during their six decades of pastoral assignments in Baltimore, MD, Holland, PA, Clinton, New Jersey, Missoula, MT and Lake Forest, IL. Wherever they went, Carolyn brought a joyful enthusiasm to each experience, which included building a new church community, navigating cross-country moves, balancing work, family, and church roles, and embracing her friends and grandchildren with interest, love and always an encouraging ear. Carolyn was an avid reader, crossword puzzler, world traveler and baker. She loved the outdoors and spent many summers with Kent visiting friends and favorite hiking spots in Western Montana. Carolyn’s most vivid trait was her deep commitment to her Christian faith, which she lived daily by her unending love for neighbor and for God. Despite ten years of medical treatments, she met physical suffering with a spirited desire to remain faithful, overcome adversity and inspire others. She greeted everyone with refreshing warmth and openness, and a clever sense of humor. Carolyn was the beloved wife of 63 years to Kent Ward Kinney; loved mother of Matthew Ward (Yukiko), Jon Dana (Judit), and Rae Anne (Daniel) Alvarez; and cherished grandmother of Lili Mae, Julian, Marcus, Anna Marie, and Stella Kinney, Maria Elena, Adam, and Luke Alvarez. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on January 20, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, 700 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Carolyn Kinney’s name may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, 700 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045. For information – Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest, 847-234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com.

Carolyn Rae Kinney

December 12, 1934 - November 11, 2023