Carolyne Rae Gage

"She loved and was loved"







Carolyne Rae Gage age 73 of Tucson passed peacefully on August 5, 2011. She was born August 1, 1938 to Arthur Gilbert and Nina Marie Hastings, in Topeka, Kansas.



She moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1946 where her parents opened Hastings Market at South 6th Ave. and President St. where she learned the value of hard work as a child. She graduated from Tucson High School in 1956 and until the end of her life maintained meaningful friendships with her classmates. Carolyne retired from DM Credit Union after 31 years of service (now Vantage West Credit Union).



The greatest joy of her life was that of her family. She is survived by 2 daughters: Vicki Harvey and husband Dennis, their 2 children Janna Rae and Dylan Oakes (Alison Prendergast), Dinah Knisely and husband Alan, their 2 children Derek Gage (Raquel) and Paige Downing . Her great grandchildren Ezekiah, Jadon and Aolani Knisely were precious in her life. She is also survived by nephew Ronald Hastings (Janet), and nieces Lyn Reynolds (Bob) and Cheryl Clarke (Kim). She was preceded in death by her brother Robert Dee Hastings (sister-in-law Dorothy) and sister Joanne Hastings.



Carolyne was also preceded in death by her sweetheart Donald Steagall. She is also survived by his 5 children, 9 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren who held a special place in her heart during her later years.



Never able to attend college herself, it was her passion that her girls have that opportunity and she was very proud of the fact that each of her daughters were college graduates.



She was "Mom and Grammy" to many. She made countless crocheted baby blankets and afghans for coworkers, family and friends. She opened her home to many of her daughter's friends and exemplified unconditional love.



Carolyne will be remembered fondly for her contagious laugh. She loved life and loved being surrounded by her "girls". Being a young mom allowed her to "play" and participate in their activities.



When Dinah and her family moved to Pennsylvania, she made many trips to their home, enabling her to keep those relationships strong and vital.



Through all the seasons of her life, Carolyne valued the relationships of those near to her. Thanks Mom for showing us how to love others. You will be missed by more than you will ever know.



A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, August 10th at 11:30 a.m. at Pantano Christian Church, 10395 E. 29th St, Tucson, Arizona with a luncheon immediately following the service, all are welcome to attend. A private burial will be held for Carolyne at East Lawn cemetery.



If desired, the family requests memorial donations be made to Carondolet Hospice and Palliative Care, 120 N. Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716, 520-873-5000, www.carondolet.org/foundation.