Carolyn Lageman, 69, of Middletown, RI, passed away on February 16th after a long battle with neuroendocrine cancer.
She was born to William and Dorothy Joynt on July 7th, 1949 in Newport, RI. Carolyn graduated from Middletown High School in 1967, received a BA in Mathematics from Regis College in 1971 and later an MBA from Pace University. She started a 43-year career at CIGNA Insurance company in 1971, retiring from that same organization in 2014 as an Associate Vice President. After raising her children in Hopewell, NJ, Carolyn moved back to Middletown. Although she spent many winters in Mesa, AZ, to be close to her parents and brother, her heart was always in Rhode Island. Newport was her birthplace, where she grew up, and where she returned in 2004 to rekindle old friendships and start wonderful new ones in a place that she loved.
Carolyn is survived by her four loving children and their spouses: Becca and CK LaFond of Helena, MT; Daniel and Venus Lageman of Cranford, NJ; Sarah and Fred Salling of Durham, CT; and Jeff and Michelle Lageman of Hopewell, NJ. Carolyn (Nana) is also survived by her grandchildren: Reese, Asher, Emily and Soren LaFond; Hunter Lageman; Charlotte and Sophie Salling; and Grace and Elijah Lageman. The family will welcome Carolyn’s 10th grandchild in May. She is also survived by her two loving brothers and their spouses, Stephen and Judy Joynt of Scarsdale, NY and Thomas and Jane Joynt of Tempe, AZ as well as many other family members and her faithful canine companion, Denali. Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, William and Dorothy Joynt.
Carolyn was a devoted mother and grandmother in every sense of the word. She was the epicenter of family gatherings, often bringing together multiple generations across the miles at her home in Rhode Island. She loved her role as Nana, treasuring time with her grandchildren on Second Beach.
Carolyn was also an amazing friend. She always put others first and had an extended “family” of friends and neighbors. It is impossible to list all of her many friends, across several states and time zones. Carolyn’s family would like to thank all of her incredible friends for their support over the past few years.
A viewing will be held on Friday, February 22nd, 2019 from 4-630pm at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI. The funeral will take place at 10am on Saturday, February 23rd, 2019, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Spring Street, Newport.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.Condolences and information available at memorialfuneralhome.com.