Sister Carolyn Schanz, CSJ, 89

Sister Carolyn Schanz, CSJ, 89

Sister Carolyn Schanz, CSJ

Sister Carolyn Schanz (Anitra William), CSJ, 89 died Jan. 28 at the Teresian House in the 71st year of her religious life. 

Born on Sept. 6, 1934, Sister Carolyn was the fourth of six children of Bertha and William Schanz. Sister Carolyn was a remarkable woman. A natural athlete, she excelled in basketball, softball, swimming and skiing. She had an enthusiasm and zest for life that was contagious. She was a born leader, a fact affirmed by her community when she was named superior at a young age and then elected regional superior. She was an excellent math teacher and a charismatic administrator who was principal and superior at St. Francis de Sales in Utica for nine years and then the first woman principal and only president for her alma mater, Catholic Central High School, for 20 years. 

When she retired from teaching and administration, Sister Carolyn attended Austin School of Beauty and received her license in cosmetology. For nine years, she assisted the homebound elderly, doing hair, running errands, chauffeuring, contacting their families when they were in need and ultimately attending their wakes and funerals.  An inveterate learner, Sister Carolyn loved adventure and was always ready to try something new. She was willing to take on anything, be it a school, a capital campaign, a trip to a foreign country or a challenging diamond slope. She loved a good time and shared them with her family and friends, most of whom have preceded her into eternity.  She was a woman of deep faith, prayer and compassion. She forgave and accepted when others were prone to judge.  

Sister Carolyn was a hard worker who put in countless hours on tasks at hand but who always knew how to recreate, restore and relax. She loved flowers, especially her mother’s roses, good food, lakes and oceans, sailing and nature. Gifted with poise, presence and personality, Sister Carolyn motivated countless students, faculties and families with her insights, experience and sense of humor. She was an extremely fair person and injustice deeply disturbed her. Her mantra was: “I do the best I can with what I have” and this belief brought her peace during conflict. The highest compliment you could pay her was to tell her how much like her mother she was. 

Sister Carolyn is survived by her brother, John, her sisters-in-law, Dorothy and Catherine Schanz, her cousin, Brigitte Johnson, numerous nieces and nephews and the Sisters of St. Joseph. Her funeral Mass was celebrated on Feb. 5. Contributions in Sister Carolyn’s memory may be made to the Office of Mission Advancement, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y., 12110.