Carolyn Louise Dobbins
December 12, 1950 - December 15, 2020
Carolyn Louise Dobbins, age 70, of Hockessin, DE, died on Tuesday, December 15, 2020.
Born on December 12, 1950, in Champaign, IL, she was a daughter of the late Fred and Ruth S. (Solenberger) Dobbins. Carolyn graduated in 1968 from Arlington High School in Arlington Heights, IL and earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of Kentucky in 1973. She worked as an emergency room nurse at Evanston Hospital, a job she truly enjoyed. While at Evanston Hospital, Carolyn was interviewed and featured on the cover of the Chicago Tribune magazine in 1987. She was greatly affected by health issues beginning in her thirties and more recently was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. She spent the last eight years of her life in Newark, DE close to her mother and sister.
Carolyn enjoyed many outdoor activities, especially kayaking, horseback riding and biking. She was also a hobbyist photographer and loved taking photographs of beautiful gardens and sunsets. Carolyn will be remembered for the laughter and warmth she inspired. Not known for her cooking, Carolyn was often asked to bring chips instead of a dish to social gatherings.
She is survived by her sister, Heather Dobbins Johnston (Murray) of Newark; nephew, Andrew of Tempe, AZ; and niece, Kathryn of Arlington, VA.
All services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carolyn’s memory to the Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 96280, Washington, DC 20077.
Alan O. Bornmueller
Carolyn (Dobbie) was my wife’s (Sally Faner Bornmueller) best friend growing up. She was Sally’s maid-of-honor at our wedding. Until I met her, I didn’t really appreciate all of the stories that Sally told me about Dobbie. Once I did, it was all true. She was a wonderful woman with a heart of gold and a smile to match. I will never forget moving to Chicago and walking down Fullerton Avenue one evening. A car pulled up beside me with the horn blaring. There was Dobbie yelling out the window “Alan, what are you doing here?”. She didn’t know that we had moved there. How she ever recognized me at night from the back and then stopped to shout it out I will never know. She was such a joy to be around. I will never forget her.
Bert Miesse Schimmel
Heather you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I loved visiting your home in High School. Robby was a great influence on my life. I’m so glad we reconnected a few years ago. My the Lord Bless her and keep her.
Paul C Douglas
I will miss my former neighbor who was always a cheery person and helpful friend.
Patti Enright Hanson
Still has that beautiful smile I remember……glad she had a wonderful life!
Charlotte Dobbins Schlosser
So sorry to hear about Carolyn!
Rest In Peace
Donna Jaeger
Dear Heather and family!
However (?) did God lead me to find out about Carolyn’s passing is amazingly divine! I’m amazed. I have very often wondered how Carolyn was. We’ve lived a long time (we’re the same age)! I so enjoyed watching the video. I go back to the “Hub” days…Barrington Group days! Remember Heather? Glad she is with the Lord now! Comfort and grace from our Lord Jesus to you and your mom and family. Donna Jaeger
Margaret Hermes Bulmer
I am saddened to hear of Carolyn’s passing and the suffering she endured from her illness. The memories of the Mayfair Road gang and the shenanigans we participated in are vast! We had so much fun and am so thankful for the neighborhood family of extra brothers, sisters and parents! Carolyn was always a gentle and beautiful person, and I know she will be missed. Rest in peace Carolyn. I know you are loving being with Jesus!