Carolyn Kay (Brauer) Millard was born in Saint Louis, Missouri on April 19, 1941. She was the first child of Edward G. Brauer and Adele M. Schlueter, of Belleville, Illinois. In 1954, her parents moved to Webster Groves, Missouri. There Carolyn attended parochial elementary and secondary schools with her younger brother and sister. Much of her time was devoted to the study of the piano. In 1956, Carolyn was admitted to Webster University having been awarded a music scholarship. After four years of intense study including countless hours alone at the keyboard, and performance of high-stress recitals, she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education.
It was during her final years in college that she reconnected with a former schoolmate who would ultimately become her husband. On Independence Day 1964, Carolyn married Army Lieutenant Ray Millard. At this point, the two young lovers had known each other for 9 years.
Following her initial teaching assignment at Rosary High School in Saint Louis, Carolyn assumed the position as lead Music Education teacher in the North Star School District in Fairbanks, Alaska. Over the next 20 years, Carolyn, and Ray and their two sons served and lived in the Republic of Panama, Louisiana, Georgia, Missouri, Kansas, California, and Washington D.C. There were many separations including two years when Carolyn and her young sons remained in St. Louis while Ray served in the Republic of Vietnam.
Not unlike many young service wives, Carolyn seized opportunities to raise and educate her sons as strong, independent, self-reliant young men. And when dad returned from a deployment, the family sprang into action for the next adventure. For at least four consecutive summers in the early 70’s, the family tent camped and backpacked in the Rocky Mountains.
The entire family enjoyed traveling by simple means in this country and abroad. It all began in 1964 when Carolyn and Ray drove Carolyn’s VW bug from Missouri to Alaska for their honeymoon. Ten years later, they purchased a used VW Microbus and left Monterey with two young sons. A month and 5,600 miles later, they arrived at the Panama Canal. The detailed log of that adventure shows Carolyn did most of the driving.
Carolyn’s generosity knew no bounds. For more than a decade she supported a fellow employee paralyzed as a result of a severe automobile accident. She was his advocate, cheerleader, fund raiser, companion, caregiver, and case manager. All of this while raising her sons and building a career as an accomplished liability insurance underwriter.
For more than 10 consecutive years, Carolyn and her husband participated in pilgrimages to Guatemala to aid in construction of rural schools and libraries.
In 2004, Carolyn had a chance encounter with a young Mayan girl selling woven bracelets. Carolyn seized the opportunity to make a difference in the life of this young girl. Today, that young woman has completed college and has become a credentialed teacher in the Guatemalan highlands. She is the first member of her family to achieve more than a sixth-grade education. In 2013, she asked Carolyn to be the godmother of her tiny new son. Carolyn traveled once again to Guatemala and participated in the christening.
Carolyn is survived by her husband Ray, their sons Keith and Chris, and three adult grandchildren Aaron, Katherine, and Elizabeth.
Carolyn as remembered by the MS Monterey Pool Group
Vickie Paynter –
“She was so sweet and had a lovely smile. At the park we spoke about how when we were in the big pool Ray would keep checking on her in the warm pool. How they were always holding hands. Her walker served her well.”
Susie Burns –
“I have to say my favorite memory is just watching Ray and Carolyn’s love for each other. Every time I saw them walk into or out of the SportsCenter they were holding hands. It’s such a simple, beautiful gesture. But kindness that they had for each other was palpable.”
Larry Swank –
“My memories of her are at the pool waiting for Ray and Marie to appear from the locker room, we’ve had nice conversations about many topics. We also exchange book suggestions with each other. She and I had similar senses of humor, which we shared frequently. I thought she was a wonderful lady with so much to offer not only to me, but to others.”
Laura Gomez –
“As I’ve said I didn’t know Carolyn very well, however she was a joy to see at swimming. I did talk to her once, about shoes of all things, she was a wonderful person. I wish I had known her better.”
Adrienne Huckle –
“Carolyn and Ray were staples in our MS swim class. If they weren’t there, they had somewhere else they needed to be.
I didn’t know Carolyn one on one so much, but I did love seeing her when I did show up. On the quiet side, she was so elegant, always with a pleasant smile on her face, always.
Even as she was in the “cold” water doing exercises with the class, not a peep.
Thinking back, it makes me laugh because when it was time to go into the warm pool, or sooner, she was always first in line.
I admired her and will miss her gentle way.”
Carrieanna Hess –
Caring and calming
Amazing and awesome
Radiant and respectful
Open minded and original
Loving and likable
Young at heart
None can compare
“Carolyn was a friend, a grounding presence and a motherly figure. I always enjoyed our conversations and appreciate the concern she showed for the well-being of those she came in contact with. She was such a delight to have in our group, we were truly lucky to have her touch our lives.”
Tammy Jennings –
“When I think of Carolyn I smile. She always had a smile for everyone. As well as being a loving, generous, kind, and compassionate woman, she was a real friend. Rest in Peace, Carolyn. You will be missed. ♥️🙏🏻♥️”