Carolyn Ann Loyacano, beloved wife, mother, and granny left this earth on Sunday, November 11, 2007 to be with the Lord at the age of 65. Carolyn was born on December 1, 1941 in Beaumont, Texas. She grew up on Washington Avenue in Port Neches, and was a graduate of Port Neches-Groves High School. Forty-four years ago she married her beloved Sam. As one, they shared a bond that exemplified the essence of unconditional love. Together they shared countless memories of children, grandchildren, holidays, and vacations. Carolyn looked forward to her home filled with the blessings of her family. Numerous family gatherings took place around the dining room table. She loved to spend time in the kitchen with Sam preparing meals to share with her loved ones. Carolyn would wake up extra early to make pancakes from scratch, adding just the right secret ingredients of chocolate chips and powdered sugar for the grandkids to savor. Many life lessons were learned while baking a cake or trying out a new recipe. She was a loyal daughter who was blessed to have given her mother a year of care in her home after her father died. She cherished the memories that were made of family surrounding her mother. Carolyn would often say she wouldn't have traded that time for anything. Carolyn was a devoted mother. She was an advice giver and a keen listener. She was proud and adored her children, but she said her most joyful moments were spent with her grandchildren, Tyler, Emily, Madilyn, and Kelsey. She was involved in their lives from the day they were born and supported them in their activities. She attended numerous dance recitals, school programs, ball games, and piano recitals. She loved to take them shopping, and would be delighted to watch the fashion show they would put on afterwards. Granny was patient, compassionate, and treated the grandkids extra special.
Carolyn was a woman of great faith. She, together with Sam, taught their children and grandchildren the power of prayer. She had a remarkable spirit and made people live better lives because of her faith in God. Carolyn was an active member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. She belonged to the Ladies Guild, and looked forward to playing bourre with the ladies of the Knights of Columbus. She worked in the dental field as an office manager for 17 years, and retired after several years from a religious book store. She was a member of the American Italian Cultural Club of Port Arthur, and also belonged to the Krewe Royale Le Bon Temp. She had a fun time celebrating Mardi Gras by throwing beads from a float with her grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and never met a stranger.
Carolyn was a generous, good-hearted person. Giving to the people she loved and cared about made her happy. Carolyn wanted people to know that she was the woman who stood beside the man who has honored the Blessed St. Joseph with an altar for 20 years. It was a promise that Sam fulfilled after Carolyn was diagnosed and treated for melanoma some 22 years ago. During the years, many people were nourished physically and spiritually by attending this family tradition. It brought tremendous joy to Carolyn to gather family and friends to prepare and express gratitude for answered prayers.
Carolyn is survived by her beloved husband Sam; sons, Sam Loyacano of Atascocita, David Loyacano and wife Cherie of Huffman; daughter Mary Lynn Sumrall and husband John of Port Neches. She had 4 grandchildren she adored, Tyler and Emily Sumrall of Port Neches, and Madilyn and Kelsey Loyacano of Huffman. She is also survived by her mother Anna Lee Morgan of Port Neches; sister Wilda Hayes- Olsen of Danbury, Connecticut and brother Michael Morgan of Beaumont. She was preceded in death by her father Willard Morgan.
There are numerous friends and family members that will deeply miss Carolyn's kind words and beautiful smile. Carolyn's life was cut short, but her vibrant spirit will live forever.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Wednesday November 14, 2007 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Port Neches with Rev. Bennie Patillo officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches under the direction of Broussard's in Nederland. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5 to 8 PM Tuesday with a Christian Vigil to be held at 6:00 PM at the mortuary.
