Carolyn Jane Brackensick, 92, of Niles, Michigan, formerly of Warsaw, Illinois, and Tucson,
Arizona, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Woodland Terrace in Niles,
Michigan.
Carolyn was born on November 1, 1930, in Chambersburg, Illinois, the daughter of James and
Idabelle (Watkins) Crawford. On August 6, 1950, she was united in marriage to Gerald William
“Jerry” Brackensick in Chambersburg, Illinois. He preceded her in death on June 8, 2001.
Carolyn graduated from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, and attended Gem City
Business College in Quincy, Illinois. She was a teacher in Warsaw and Hamilton, Illinois, for
many years until her retirement. She always stayed interested and engaged in her former
student’s lives. Carolyn was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Warsaw and was
active with all church-related events. She was a member of BPW (International Federation of
Business and Professional Women) and enjoyed spending her free time reading. She enjoyed
attending her grandchildren’s activities from baseball games to dance recitals.
Carolyn is survived by two sons: James A. (Cindy) Brackensick and Jay W. (Nikki) Brackensick;
grandchildren Hunter Brackensick, Spencer Breitenstein and Maggie (Willie) Moore; and great-
grandchildren: Xander Ryder, Lane Breitenstein, Saylor Breitenstein, and Fayth Marie Moore.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gerald William “Jerry” Brackensick,
her brother William Crawford, and her sister Joann Browning.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.
The family would like to thank the staff of Woodland Terrace Assisted Living in Niles, Michigan,
for their thoughtful care for the last eight years.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw was in charge of arrangements.