Carolyn Baxter

Carolyn Whitehill Baxter, 86, of Girard, PA, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Thursday, May 9, 2024, due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease. She was born on November 19, 1937 in Michigan to the late Theodore and Helen (Hahn) Whitehill.

Carolyn grew up in Knox, PA, graduating from Keystone High School. Carolyn graduated with a BSN from the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing in 1961, top of her class. It was during her college years that she met her future husband Dr. James Baxter at a Christian fellowship meeting. Following Dr. Baxter’s graduation from dental school they moved to Girard PA, where Carolyn was kept busy raising their four daughters.

Carolyn lived the principles of her Christian Faith: God first, Family second, and Service to Others third. Carolyn was an active member of the Girard Presbyterian Church. She served as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, Choir member, and on the fellowship committee for many years. She was Lay Leader for Koinonia of Erie County and participated in Kairos Prison Ministry. Carolyn worked for many years as the business manager of her husband’s dental practice. She and her family were blessed to take many vacations, traveling across the United States birding, camping, canoeing, and touring historic sites. Favorite travels included a photo Safari in Africa, the Galapagos, Hawaii, Alaska, and visiting many countries in Europe.

Carolyn will be best remembered as an active community member. She was honored as the Grand Marshall of the Dan Rice Days Parade in 2016 for her contributions to Girard over many years.  As a young mother, Carolyn created Tri-Boro Twirling group, offering baton lessons each Saturday morning to numerous little girls. She coached high school majorettes and offered her home for girl scout badge meetings. Carolyn is a past president of the Girard School Board, serving for over 10 years. She helped establish the Girard School District Foundation and was president of both the Girard and Erie County Red Cross boards. She was active in the Girard Garden Club, Presque Isle Audubon Society and Erie Business and Professional Woman Organization. Carolyn used her leadership skills on the State Board of the PTA serving as a state officer advocating for Children’s health issues and teaching Parliamentary procedure. Carolyn believed in shopping local before it was trendy and often said “if you want to have things in your community then you need to be willing to work for them and support them”. 

Carolyn’s wisdom and encouragement will be deeply missed by her husband Dr. James Baxter; daughters, Helen Parenti (Mike) of Girard, PA,  Barbara DeJohn (Mark) of Bethel Park, PA, Marilyn Kaufer (Steve) of Lake Placid, FL, Beverly Cwalina (Mike) of Venetia, PA; grandchildren Tim Parenti, David Parenti, Laurel DuMez (Randy), Stephanie DeJohn, Leah DeJohn, Jesse Kaufer, Sarah Harris (Eric), Scott Cwalina and Dan Cwalina; and great grandchildren Owen and Sophia DuMez, Zayden, Weston, and Hudson Harris. As well as her sisters, Joyce Whitehill (Joe), Ruth Freeman, and Bernice Pippin.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Girard School District Foundation or charity of your choice.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Edder Funeral Home in Girard PA. A celebration of life will be held at the Girard Presbyterian Church on Saturday June 8 at 10:30am.

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