Carolyn was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 22, 1941 to Ida (nee Streithorst) and Lester Schmerr. She is the beloved wife of the late Peter Schanz; devoted mother of Alison (Peter) Pordash and Gwynne (Ryan) Gephart; cherished grandmother of Emily (Jake) Musser, William Pordash, Sophia Gephart, Lillian Gephart, Scott Gephart and great grandmother of Lucas Musser; and dear sister of Lester (MaryJo) Schmerr and David (Kathy) Schmerr.

Carolyn met the love of her life, Peter (Bill) Schanz while in college at the University of Cincinnati, where she was a majorette.  They married and moved to Cleveland where Bill practiced dentistry. First and foremost Carolyn's girls were her life.  She was a very involved Mom with school activities and sports.  Carolyn was always busy during the day whether working with volunteer organizations, or working with her local garden club.

She loved gardening and her yard reflected it and over the years she won awards for her talents.

Her grandchildren also brought Carolyn joy and she loved spending time with them.  She also had a special place in her heart for animals and worked at Detroit Dover Animal Hospital and later at Mt Pleasant Animal Hospital in Cincinnati.  She rescued many animals and gave them loving homes.

Her faith was so important to her and guided her through her difficult illness.

Services will be held privately by the family.