Carolyn Marguerite Gaughan, nee Straker. It is with great sadness that the family of Carolyn Marguerite Gaughan, known as "Pidge", "Nana", and "Carolyn" to her friends and family, passed away on September 6, 2011, at the age of 79 years. Though fighting tough battles with her many illnesses until her final days, she left us with her family together, watching football, in Wildwood, NJ at the end of the summer season. She wouldn't have had it any other way. Carolyn will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 54 years, Joseph and her five children Terence, Dennis, Patrick, Carolyn Kelly (Gilbert), and Christopher. She will also be fondly remembered by her nine grandchildren, Brendan, McKenna, Keeley, Jake, Mia, Christopher, Andrew, Casey, and Peyton, and by her cousin Dee Dee McKeever. Born in Philadelphia, she raised her children in Glen Ellyn, IL and always cherished her summers at the New Jersey shore. Carolyn was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren, and was reliably quick to share the latest happenings with friends, family, and strangers alike. We will all miss the fond memories of her cheering loudly and ringing her cowbell at our sporting events, or holding court at her famous 4th of July gatherings. Her favorite lessons in life were "Can't Means Won't" and "Open a New Window", which will always inspire us to work hard, pursue our own path in life, and think as individuals. A celebration of Carolyn's life will be held in Wildwood, NJ on July 4, 2012 so that, according to her wishes, her children and grandchildren can enjoy the Wildwood beaches, boardwalk, and fireworks without missing school. Memorial donations in memory of Carolyn can be made to: Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Hospice, C/o Development Office, 276 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, NJ, 07701.


Published in Central DuPage News/Leader/Post/Press on Sept. 15, 2011 - See more at: http://obituaries.mysuburbanlife.com/obituaries/chicagosuburbannews/obituary.aspx?n=Carolyn-Marguerite-Gaughan&pid=153641512#sthash.PwXumzKi.dpuf