Carolyn R. Boeker, age 49 of Carlyle, passed away on January 25, 2025, in St. Louis, MO.
Carolyn was born on June 5, 1975, in Salem, IL, the daughter of Elizabeth R. (Salonen) Blagoue and George S. Blagoue. Carolyn’s heart issues began at birth and continued throughout her life. While her physical heart was her weakest part, her spiritual heart was strong, bright, and will continue to shine. She was a proud and active member of the “Zipper Sisters,” a support group for those with congenital heart defects (CHD). Always seen with a smile that warmed hearts and an infectious laugh, Carolyn dedicated herself to being there for others. Her ability to listen and be a true confidante won her the love of many, making lifelong friends everywhere she went.
Carolyn worked at CVS Pharmacy in Carlyle and the Carlyle Case Halstead Library, and most recently at Affton Mehlville Appliance Service. She loved working with others, and she never met a stranger! Carolyn was always up for trying something new, her latest adventure being country line dancing lessons. Carolyn’s spirit of generosity extended beyond her lifetime, as her anatomical donation has already improved the lives of three individuals and will continue to offer hope and healing. Carolyn always put others before herself, even in the end.
Above all else, she loved being a mother and a grandmother. Carolyn is survived by her children, Gregory Boeker and Anastasia Boeker, and bonus daughter Batiesha (Adam) Klostermann; her grandchildren, Greyson, Thalia, and Nico; her parents, Elizabeth Blagoue and George Blagoue; she was the best sister to Brian Blagoue (Pamela), Craig Blagoue (Ann Kirby), Brad Blagoue (Rose), Elizabeth Jansen, and Kimberly Blagoue; her nieces and nephews Victoria Vandergriff, Sophia Blagoue, Lilly Blagoue, Johnathon Jansen, Joshua Jansen, and Jeremy Jansen, along with great-niece Reese Vandergriff. Carolyn is also survived by her aunts and uncle Catherine Mix, and Tom and Charlene Salonen, as well as cousins John Chapas, Robert Mix (Trish), Richard Mix (Heather), and Victoria Williams (Michael); and a host of loving relatives and lifelong friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Rose and John Salonen; a nephew, Jacob Williams; and an aunt and uncle, Jim and Jean Ann Salonen.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Buxton’s, 191 W Railroad St, Beckemeyer, IL, 62219. Following the memorial service, friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life at Buxton’s until 5:00 P.M. Interment will follow at Carlyle Township Cemetery at a later date.
