Obituary of Carolyn M. Pillsbury

Carolyn Louise Magnuson Pillsbury, 91, formerly of Buffalo, died Monday June 3, 2013 in the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center. She was born December 30, 1921 in Jamestown the daughter of the late Alfred and Hannah Carlson Magnuson. She was a 1940 graduate of Jamestown High School. Prior to retirement, she was Vice President of Human Resources at Columbus Hospital in Buffalo, NY. Previously, she worked at Truck Lite, Dunbar Buick, George Patti, Inc, and Dahlstrom Metallic Door Co. Carolyn was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church (formerly the Chandler Street Baptist Church). At the Chandler Street Baptist Church she was a charter member of the Home Builders Organization, served as President of the Philathia Class, sang in the choir and as part of a trio with her sisters, and taught Sunday School. While in Buffalo, she attended the Delaware Ave. Baptist Church. She was a member of the Hamburg Travel Club; Riverside Seniors, Buffalo, NY; American Scandinavian Heritage Foundation; Red Hatters; AARP; Thule Lodge; Lancaster Opera House; Riviera Theater; former board member of The Friends of Vienna, Buffalo, NY; and served as Chairman of The Runan Magnet Lodge of the Vasa Order of America for 10 years. Carolyn enjoyed baking pastries and cookies, and she would bake more than 125 dozen cookies at Christmas to send to friends and loved ones. She mailed cookies to her grandchildren regularly, and they came to call her "Grandma who makes cookies'. Her delicious pies were always eagerly anticipated at family reunions. She was an avid letter writer and corresponded with many friends and family members. She always remembered her many relatives and friends with greeting cards on holidays and special occasions. She loved to travel, and attended several elder hostels. She also traveled to Sweden several times. Surviving are a son, David L. Pillsbury of Richmond, VA; a daughter, Marlene P. (Peter) Volpe of Jamestown; five grandchildren, Michael D. Volpe and Steven J. Volpe, both of Buffalo; Adam A. Pillsbury, Molly (Chris) Burks, and Abigail J. (Adam) Genazia, all of Richmond; three great grandchildren, Lexi and Austin Burks, Charlotte Pillsbury; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband, Lawrence A. Pillsbury; three sisters, Hanna Astrid Elvira Magnuson, Margaret Hager-Carlson, Marian Oberg; and two brothers, Arnold and Leonard Magnuson. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Hillcrest Baptist Church. The Rev. Mark J. Hinman will officiate. A committal service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday in Lake View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service Friday in the church. Memorials may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church, 40 Hallock St. Jamestown, NY 14701; or The Friends of Vienna, c/o Barbara Jezioro, 495 Starin Ave. Buffalo, NY 14216