Carolyn Kay Gregg Schatzman
07.09.26
Carolyn Schatzman passed away on July 9, 2026. Carolyn's parents, brothers, aunts and uncles, sister-in-law, and her daughter Beth Hundemer, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband Jim, daughters Lisa (John) Rygiel, daughter Shelly (Donnie) Sowell, six grandsons and six great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.
Carolyn was born in Oklahoma City, OK March 6, 1939, at St. Vincent Hospital. She was the middle child of Lynn B. Gregg and Gwendolyn Faye Williams Gregg. She had an older brother, Don, and a younger brother Bill.
She wanted to attend college for a degree in art, but her parents urged her to seek education in the secretarial fields. Alternately, she found work in an advertising agency but after several months, the pull of a military career drew her in (her brother Don was already serving in the Army), and she joined the U.S. Marine Corps.
Upon graduating boot camp, she was stationed in Norfolk, VA. She then transferred to the Pentagon where she was a stenographer for one of the Undersecretary's of the Navy. She loved the Marines, but one particular marine she met in Norfolk won her heart. On March 24th, 1959, she married James Schatzman in the HQ Marine Corps Chapel in Arlington, VA. She requested a discharge from the Marines and she and Jim moved to Wisconsin then to Nashville, TN near her parents. She had three daughters, Lisa, Shelly and Beth. They later moved to Memphis, TN.
Carolyn began working at a Christian school part time volunteering in the pre-kindergarten program. She found her niche and began college while still working, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. She also earned her master's in education from Memphis State University (now Univ. of Memphis). She taught fifth grade, then junior high and senior high English and art. She loved it and her students loved her. She also enjoyed sports and played basketball and softball and also coached girls ball teams.
Remembering her love of military life, she joined the Tennessee Army National Guard. She later transferring to the Army Reserve and served 24 years in Tennessee and Arizona, retiring as a master sergeant. She and Jim then moved to Arizona for jobs where Jim worked in Insurance and Carolyn managed an art gallery.
Upon retirement she and Jim moved again, this time to Trinidad, CO. In retirement she finally had the opportunity to devote her time to her passion, art. Her paintings were sold through the Corazon Gallery, and she painted until dementia overtook her. She joined the Veteran's Council of Las Animas County, serving as secretary for 10 years. She was part of group of people from the council who were able to gain possession of Ft. Wooten from the county. who She attended the First United Methodist Church in Trinidad and also sang in the Trinidad Community Chorale prior to her illness.
Carolyn was a good wife and mother and especially loved her grandchildren. She also loved animals, especially her dogs. Any memorials you wish to bestow may be sent to the Veteran's Council of Las Animas County or to PALS Her remains will be moved to the Wisconsin State Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Zion’s Lutheran Church in Trinidad, CO at 510 Pine street at 10 AM on July 18, 2026 with a luncheon to follow.