Carolyn (Geare) Westfall, 97, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by all of her children on Saturday, April 1, 2023.
Carolyn was born on August 22, 1925 in Phoenix, Arizona to Tom and Louise Geare. Carolyn attended St. Mary’s High School where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Harry Earl Westfall, Jr. Harry and Carolyn went on to have 19 children: Tim (Louise), Danny (Karen), Brian (Chris, deceased) (Teri), Suzanne, Nancy (Bob), Mike, Tom (Karen), Terry (Janice), Lucy (Mike), Marianne (Fred, deceased), Dickie (Debbie), Rocko (Kim), Jim (Laura), Kevin (Michele), Kathleen (Jim), Diane, Colleen (JR), Steve (Kim) and Billy, deceased. She is preceded in death by her husband Harry and son Billy, father Tom, mother Louise, brothers Tom and Mike, sisters Betty (Bebe), Patricia and Marianne. She is survived by her sister, Raima, her 18 children, 41 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.
Carolyn was a devoted wife and mother who loved her children unconditionally. She cherished her family above all else. Carolyn was a devout Catholic, and along with Harry, was one of the founding families of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church where all of her children attended school. She was happily married to Harry for over 50 years until his death. She had a “million dollar” smile that could spread cheer a mile wide and a heart of gold to match. Anyone who ever knew Carolyn would say she was the kindest person they ever met. She loved music and always wanted those around to sing with her.
Carolyn was proud to be part of the Geare family that owned and operated the first dairy in Arizona, Central Avenue Dairy. The dairy was sold in the 1950’s and later became what we know as the sites of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Park Central Mall.
A Vigil will be held from 6:00-8:00 P.M. with a Rosary starting at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, April 13, 2023 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Avenue in Phoenix. Private burial to follow at St. Francis Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Vincent De Paul and St. Mary’s Food Bank.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.