Carolyn M. Verdonik

Our beloved Nana and Mom, Carolyn M Verdonik (76) was called to Heaven on Saturday, 4/29/2023 surrounded by her loving family and friends. She will be missed by everyone she knew, and her beautiful spirit touched so many lives.

Born 11/15/46 in Brooklyn, New York to John Kilfoyle and Nora (Joyce) Kilfoyle. Carolyn was the oldest child and wonderful sister to both her siblings, Maureen, and John.

On May 2, 1981, she married William Verdonik in New Jersey, and they were happily married for 35 years. They relocated to Green Bay from Brooklyn in 1983 and as they say, "You can take the girl out of Brooklyn, but you can't take the Brooklyn out of the girl". This was so true for her! From the moment she opened her mouth, her Brooklyn accent was something people always remembered about her. Her laugh was infectious, and she filled every room with her happiness and kindness.

Carolyn worked for St Vincent Day Care for many years as a day care teacher. This was where her heart was. She loved children and loved seeing them smile and laugh. She was known as "the puppet lady" as she loved to put on shows for kids all over. This brought her so much joy and happiness.

In later years, Carolyn enjoyed time at the Howard YMCA swimming with her lady friends and going out to lunch. She was an avid volunteer and spent many hours at the Downtown YWCA Women's Closet where she helped to prepare clothing for resale and donation. She had so much fun there and enjoyed everyone she worked with.

In her life she had many accomplishments, but none was more important than being a Nana. Her grandchildren and her family were her entire life. She was the most involved Nana, and she never missed a doctor or dentist appointment, haircut, or family vacation. She had to be there for all of it! It was so important to her to be such a big part of her grandkid's lives. Her funny songs and silly stories will always be remembered in her Brooklyn accent. Nana loved to be needed and was always willing to help. She was amazing at getting stains out of anything and loved to iron clothes so that everyone always looked their best.

Carolyn prided herself on being called "Everyone's Nana". Anyone who knew her, loved her. Not many people could say they were truly loved by everyone they met, but she could. She always told people, "Just call me Nana, everyone does". She loved that! She was such a big part of the lives of her grandkids, and all their friends loved her as their own Nana. She loved making cookies, singing in the car, coloring, and being in the center of everything. Nana will be missed everyday by her family and friends and Heaven truly gained a beautiful Angel.

Carolyn is survived by her brother John and sister-in-law Kim Kilfoyle of Hutchinson Island, Florida, her only daughter Maureen, beloved son-in-law Bryan Bryfczynski and their 4 grandchildren: Megan Frances and her husband Taylor Conklin, who Nana affectionately called "My Taylor", their beautiful daughter Emersyn Kate, her very first great- grandchild and her sunshine in her darkest days, John Joseph, her "one and only" grandson, "her firecracker" Katelyn Mary, and "her blue eyed girl", Abigail Rose, who she adored. Nana loved them all so much and had special moments and memories with each of them. She will be especially missed by her loyal and loving companion Toots, her pup who never left her side and who brought her so much joy.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband William, parents John and Nora Kilfoyle, and sister Maureen Kilfoyle.

Carolyn's support circle was amazing and included her friend, Carol Jean Bryfczynski who lovingly helped care for her, and her husband Jerry Bryfczynski. Friend, Cory Schmidt, RN who was by her side in her last days and cared for her like her own mom. Second daughter, Kelly Sanders, Tony Schmidt, and Tammy Bryfczynski who were always there and helped the family cope through this difficult time with laughter, support, and compassion. Josh Hurley and Owen Slack who were always around to lend a hand whenever needed, even if it was just to watch her favorite movie, "The Godfather". She loved her circle of family and friends and she will be truly missed by all. We will honor her by spending time together at her favorite place, Rost Lake and by remembering her in everything we do. There will never be another Nana, and we will love and miss her forever.

The family would like to thank Unity Hospice and their staff for the care she received.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 4 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S Monroe Ave, Green Bay WI 54301, from 4-7pm. Visitation at 10 am and Mass at 11 am will be Friday May 5 at St Agnes Parish 1484 9th street Green Bay Wi 54304.

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