Carolyn M. McElwain, 82, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at The Gardens of Cedar Rapids. Private family Celebration of Life services will be at a later date. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids will be assisting the family at this time.

Carolyn Mae was born July 25, 1942, in Burlington, the daughter of Samuel Floyd and Helen F. (Sutton) Orr. She graduated from Mediapolis High School in 1960 and then UNI in 1964 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Carolyn was united in marriage to Norman McElwain on November 19, 1967 at the Methodist church in Mediapolis. She served primarily as a third-grade teacher in the Holy Family School System for many years. Carolyn enjoyed teaching there very much and even volunteered in several school systems before and after her retirement. Her involvement with students did not end at the end of the school day. Carolyn attended countless extracurricular activities of her students and former students on an ongoing basis for years. Once hers, always hers.

Carolyn is survived by her husband Norman; daughter Laura McElwain and Maureen (Scott) Wetnight; and granddaughters Amelia and Delaney Wetnight.

She was preceded in death by her parents and several family members.

Memorials may be directed to HACAP or the Salvation Army in Cedar Rapids.