Date of Death: November 21, 2023
Service Details
In accordance with family wishes cremation will be conducted, and a memorial service to celebrate Caryn’s life will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 12:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers, with Pastor Matt Deames officiating. Watch a livestream of her service here.
Obituary Notice
Caryn Wilson, 67, of Three Rivers passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at her home.
She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 3, 1956 the daughter of Jerry and Marie (Selais) Zmeskal, and graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy, class of 1974. She studied at the University of Illinois and completed her bachelors in education degree from the University of Akron. She obtained an M.A. in communication from The Ohio State University. Professionally she was a teacher, administrator for the American Board of Otolaryngology, a church choral director, a children’s librarian, and an innkeeper.
An accomplished flautist, Caryn performed with the West Michigan Flute Association, Kalamazoo Concert Band, Sturgis Wind Symphony, Silver Triad Flute Club, and Silver Pipers. She was active in the Three Rivers Merchant Group and Downtown Historic District Commission.
Caryn was the host of numerous family holiday and birthday celebrations and the occasional mystery dinner in her Queen Anne Victorian home. As a national park enthusiast, she enjoyed organizing family camping trips across the country. These family gatherings will not be the same without her.
Surviving to cherish her loving memory are her child Hollyn Wohali and co-parent Tom Wilson; cousins Eleanor Zmeskal, Joanna McFarren, and Diane Billa. Additionally, she is survived by her mother-in-law Frances Wilson, five brothers and sisters-in-law (including Matt Deames and Peggy Deames), six nieces and nephews (including Katelyn Garn and Brian Deames), and eight great nieces and nephews.
Caryn was preceded in passing by her parents, father-in-law, and brother-in-law.
Additional Information
Memorial donations may be directed to St. Joseph County Literacy Council (https://www.stjoeliteracy.com), Freedom to Read Foundation (https://www.ftrf.org), and Interlochen Center for the Arts (https://www.interlochen.org). Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
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I am so sorry to hear that Caryn passed away. I stayed at her B & B several times in recent years while visiting relatives in the area. She always made us feel so welcome and at home. She had the gifts of hospitality, music and a love of books and shared these gifts generously with others. We loved staying with her and she will be dearly missed.
Music was one of the ties that bonded the Wilson’s and myself as friends. I met the Tom and Caryn when I was attending the School of Information & Library Studies at U. Michigan. Conferences, reunions, disparate career paths, time and distance. James Taylor said it best. “I always thought that I’d see you, one more time again.” Rest in peace, Caryn.
Caryn was a cousin we saw infrequently as she was a few years older. But she was great fun to have around when she visited. She was so talented musically, and shared her talents with my sister and me with flute duets and mini-concerts for the family. I’ll always cherish those memories. I am deeply saddened we have all lost a wonderful, caring, soul. May you rest in peace, Caryn.
Caryn was my younger cousin and my children and I shared many years of our lives together while all were growing up. When all were young we had mini-recitals and we continued to share our lives into adulthood. When distance kept us apart we “talked” with each other via email. She sent me a note recently about her enjoyment of visiting a family with five children and the impact her visits with us had on her life. While she was much younger than I we were equals in our shared thoughts and I will cherish this note from her forever. She was a brilliant and very accomplished woman. I spoke with her just a couple of days before her passing and we are all unbelievably saddened by this sudden and unexpected loss. From all of my family, to all of Caryn’s family and to those who loved her, – I send our sympathies and condolences .
Caryn was such a sweet sister in law. I always enjoyed our time together. She was so kind and giving. She and Peggy came all the way to KY for my oldest son’s college graduation. It meant the world to us. She recently sent some gifts to this son for the birth of my first grandchild, including a handmade bear. It will be treasured as well as our memories of her. I can hardly believe you’re gone. Our time was too short.
Caryn was an amazing person. I knew her because she was the Three Rivers Children’s Librarian and I would take my Young Fives students to the public library for story time as their monthly field trip. We always looked forward to seeing her. I just recently saw her at the Grandparents Day celebration at Andrews Elementary when she came to spend some time with her great nephew. Caryn will definitely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
I was very saddened of the news of Caryn’s passing. She will be greatly missed! She was a sweet friend and I cherish all of the times we spent together. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. May Caryn rest in peace! Love you, Caryn!
I am so sorry to hear this. Caryn was a great person and will be missed.
So sorry to hear about Caryn. Sending our sympathies to your family.
A great loss to our community. Sincere condolences to Karen’s family.
I remember her from the Three Rivers Public Library when I was with the Literacy Council.
She was such a a helpful person there.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Caryn’s passing. She always put others before herself. Simply a wonderful person! May God be with you all during this difficult time.
Dearest Peggy, how very sorry I am to read of Caryn’s passing. I know how close the two of you were. My prayers are with all of you for peace from our Heavenly Father. Hugs to you virtually & to the kids as well.
I’m so sorry to hear this. She had such a lovely home and I enjoyed working with her on the Downtown Historical Committee.