Carolyn Y. Virkler

CROGHAN – Carolyn Y. Virkler, 87, of State Route 812, passed away on July 25, 2025 at her home in Croghan, New York surrounded by her loving family.

Carolyn was born on April 26, 1938, in Lowville, a daughter of the late C. “Earl” and Lila Stanton Yousey. She grew up in the Hamlet of West Martinsburg attending a one room schoolhouse and continued her education at Lowville Academy Central School, graduating with the Class of 1955. After graduation, she went on to work at Greystone Manor Nursing Home as a nurse’s aide for a short time before joining the Lewis County Trust Company. On June 15, 1957, she married Rodney F. Virkler at the Lowville Baptist Church with Reverend George J. Douglas officiating. In the early years of their marriage, they took great pride in owning a stock car under the number 6-15.

In January 1963, Carolyn continued her career as a clerk with the district business office at Beaver River Central School, where she worked until retiring in 1999. She continued serving the school as tax collector until 2018 at the age of 80. In 2013, she was honored as Citizen of the Year for her outstanding service to the local area. She also served on the election board for 50 years.

Carolyn was an active community member, known far and wide for her generosity and acts of service. As a Memorial Post 1663 American Legion Auxiliary member, she held many offices, including President and 5th District President, and was always available to lend much-needed hospital beds and medical equipment to those in the community. She is best known for organizing and cooking for countless funeral dinners at both the Legion and her church, feeding thousands throughout her lifetime. She also enjoyed baking, especially wedding cakes which she often gifted to family and friends.

She is survived by four children: Charmaine (John Michael) Campany of Croghan, Risë (Jeffrey) Roose of Croghan, Casandra (Brian) Lyndaker of Lowville, and Rochelle (Richard) Lagree of Lowville; two siblings, Joyce (Thomas) Martin of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Kevin (Linda) Yousey of Lowville; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Ken Storm of Clinton, NY; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Rodney, on September 27, 1994; a sister, Sharon Storm; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ronald (Barbara) Virkler and brother-in-law Allyn Virkler.

Carolyn and Rod were known for welcoming everyone to their home. Anyone in need of a meal or a place to stay was received with open arms at the Virkler Farm. Carolyn hosted many gatherings and no matter the event, she loved cooking for everyone and bringing people together. She opened her home to many extended family members, including friends, neighbors, relatives, and strangers. Her additional “children” include exchange student Marcela Benavides of Monterrey, Mexico, and student teacher Scott Hay of Portland, Maine—both of whom remain lifelong family members.

Carolyn also lovingly cared for her brother-in-law, Allyn Virkler, after the loss of both his parents when he was just 16. She loved him like a brother, and they shared a special bond, spending more time together than with anyone else throughout their lives.

Carolyn loved to garden and planted a large vegetable garden each year—continuing until the last year of her life. She was a skilled seamstress and took pride in sewing hundreds of quilts and donated approximately 900 quilt squares to Fostering Hope in Conway, SC. She also sewed personal quilts for all of her grandchildren as graduation gifts, which hung proudly at each of their high-school graduation parties. She loved to travel, cruising to Hawaii, Alaska and through the Panama Canal, as well as throughout Europe, Canada and Mexico. Carolyn was a skilled bowler in her younger years, earning many trophies.

She was a devoted member of the Lowville Baptist Church, serving as Deacon, Moderator, Secretary, and also served on the hospitality committee for many funeral services and community meals. She was a constant, quiet presence in the back left-hand side pew throughout her life.

Carolyn was a longtime 4-H leader and an active member of many organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Tug Hill Quilters, Farm Bureau, Lewis County General Hospital Auxiliary, Lewis County Cooperative Extension, Lewis County Ethics Board, Professional Secretaries Association, and Croghan American Legion Auxiliary. She also served on the Beaver River School Board, where she acted as clerk and district officer.

Carolyn was proud of the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Frequently staying up to date on their travels and accomplishments in order to provide updates to friends.

She will be remembered as a passionate community member, always willing to lend a helping hand, and serving as a living testament to the steady, heartfelt commitment of what it means to truly be of service in the world.

The family offers our deepest gratitude to Carolyn’s sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Tom Martin for being by her side throughout the final weeks of her life. The family also thanks Lewis County Hospice caregivers for their kindness.

The funeral will be at 11:00 am on Monday, July 28, 2025 at the Lowville Baptist Church with Pastor Leon Runner officiating. Burial will follow the service in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery, Croghan. A luncheon will be held at the Croghan American Legion following burial; all are welcome. Any food donations may be dropped off the morning of the service at the Croghan American Legion. Calling hours are Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the Iseneker Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Carolyn’s name may be made to the Lowville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 89, Lowville, NY 13367, or to Caring Friends of the Community, P.O. Box 712, Croghan, NY 13327.

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.