COLUMBUS
Carolyn Krings Souza, 89, passed peacefully on April 20 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Francisco (Frank) Rodolfo Souza. They were married on November 26, 1955 in Kansas City, MO.
Carolyn and Frank had four children and seven grandchildren. Matt (Tracy) Souza of Columbus, IN (Christina, Natalie, Maria, McLouis and Patricia); Jonathan (Darcy) Souza of Denver, CO (Berkeley); Andrea (John) Davis of Columbus, IN (Benjamin); and Christian Souza of Dallas, TX.
Carolyn was born on November 29, 1931 in Kansas City, Missouri to Louis Werner Krings and Ruth Spicer Krings.
Carolyn lived in many places including Dayton, Daytona Beach, Colorado Springs, Dallas, Little Rock, and Kansas City before university. She received her bachelors degree at Kansas State University and did her post-graduate studies at Purdue University. The real magic at Purdue popped when she met Frank at an event in the basement of the Newman Center at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in W. Lafayette. He said, “I’m kind of hungry.” She said, “You know, …I can cook.”
Once married, Carolyn made homes for her growing family in the Bahamas, Argentina, Maryland, Mexico (twice), and Columbus (four times). Carolyn finally found her Golden Pond with Frank in 1993 when they built a home on the water at Tipton Lakes. In 2017, Carolyn and Frank moved to the Four Seasons Retirement Center in Columbus. Carolyn’s regular advice to her grandchildren: “Travel as much as you can for as long as you can.”
Carolyn really could cook. If the poundage her sons carry around is not proof enough, she won hundreds of ribbons and awards from Bartholomew County 4-H for her annual creations (as well as for her gardening accomplishments). In 1978, Carolyn was the Main Dish Grand Champion for her Lasagna Verde Bolognese. Carolyn’s beloved friend, Antonia Leon de Reyes, taught her secrets of the Mexican kitchen while the family lived in Mexico City. For decades, Carolyn hosted large gatherings of people to enjoy the unique wonders of Mexican cuisine. Carolyn was hearth and home. Her kitchen and home were always warm and welcoming, full of exciting smells and transcendent tastes.
Since 1956, Carolyn logged thousands of hours as a hospital Auxiliary Guild member at CRH. She preferred the desk at the Surgery Waiting area where she could inform and care for families of patients. She also loved to work at the CRH Gift Shop. While living in Mexico City and Guadalajara, Carolyn volunteered at the American/British Hospital and the Hospital Del Carmen respectively. While at the latter, she formed an official American Hospital Association branch of the CRH Auxiliary.
Along with Frank, Carolyn joined in service to the Spanish speaking population of Columbus in 1999 through her participation in the Healthy Communities Proyecto Salud team and joined in 1996 as an original volunteer with Volunteers in Medicine. She also volunteered in the early Columbus efforts to help Spanish-speaking children in BCSC with their homework. CRH Healthy Communities leadership noted: “Those of us who knew Carolyn understand that her persistence was unending, but her compassion and dedication also had no limit.”
Carolyn and Frank were a team. Together they played the game so well.
A Memorial Mass for Carolyn and Frank will be said on Tuesday, May 4 at 11:00am at St. Bartholomew Church. Calling will start at 10:00am in the church Narthex. Frank died on May 4, 2020.
A livestream of the Memorial Mass may be viewed at saintbartholomew.org. Respecting the COVID-19 environment, there will be seating for 330 at the Memorial Mass. Masks and social distancing are respectfully required. Memorials would be deeply appreciated to: 1) The St. Bartholomew Church Stained Glass Window Fund, and 2) Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Souza family at barkesweaverglick.com
