Carolyn B. Volk
Former elementary music supervisor, church musical director and organist, served in parish ministry and was a dedicated volunteer of Good Shepherd Home
Carolyn B. Volk, 89, of Allentown, Pa., passed away on Feb. 14, 2020, at home surrounded by her family.
Carolyn was the wife of Reverend David G. Volk for 55 years until his passing on April 16, 2009. She was born on May 6, 1930, in Johnstown, Pa., daughter of the late Lloyd and Emma (Ginter) Baer.
Carolyn attended Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., and graduated with a degree in music education. She attended Westminster Choir College. She then went on to teach elementary music at Northern York County (Dillsburg) Regional Schools and later was an elementary music supervisor in the city schools in Sunbury, Pa. She continued teaching in both public and parochial schools in New Jersey until 1995 including Samuel E. Shull School in Perth Amboy, N.J., and Our Redeemer Lutheran school in Fords, N.J.
While her husband served in parish ministry, Carolyn was very active in the congregations that they were a part of including Zion Lutheran Church, Sunbury, Pa. (1955-'60), First Lutheran Church, Windber, Pa., (1960-'65), Grace Lutheran Church, Freehold, N.J. (1965-'70), and Grace Lutheran Church, Perth Amboy, N.J. (1970-'95). In Perth Amboy, N.J., she served as musical director and organist.
Carolyn was an active parishioner at St. Timothy's Lutheran Church in Allentown since 1995 when she and her husband moved there upon retirement to be closer to their daughter, Krista, who is a resident at the Good Shepherd Home. Carolyn continued to share her passion for music at St. Timothy's as a member of the choir and bell choir and many other music groups in addition to serving as a supply organist at churches throughout the region.
Carolyn was the recipient of the Raker Memorial Award in November of 2016. The award honors members of the community who, through philanthropy and volunteerism, honor the legacy of Good Shepherd's founders. Since 1984, when her daughter, Krista, became a resident, Carolyn supported Good Shepherd as a loving and dedicated donor, supporting fundraising initiatives, serving on the resident council, and volunteering her time to make a meaningful impact on the quality of life for the residents of Good Shepherd.
Carolyn was involved in hundreds of religious and community volunteer groups and organizations over her lifetime. For 30 years she and her husband, David, served as tour hosts, leading many groups to nearly 60 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, North America, South America, and the South Pacific. Since 2013 she was also an active member of the Luther Crest community involved in countless numbers of activities, causes and events. She was a beloved member of many communities whose kindness and strong faith touched so many lives.
Carolyn is survived by her children, daughter, Krista of Allentown; son, David and wife Susan (Murawski) of Perth Amboy; son, Paul and wife Carol (Zeller) of Colts Neck, N.J.; daughter, Sarah and Keithe Kozak of Monroe Township, N.J.; grandchildren, Brittany, Courtney, Hayden, Matthew, and Jack Volk, Graham and Kyle Kozak.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon to be immediately followed by a funeral service at 12 noon at St. Timothy's Lutheran Church, 140 South Ott Street, Allentown. Additional viewing will be held at Hoffman Funeral Home, Davidsville, Pa., on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Interment to follow at Maple Spring Cemetery, Jerome, Pa. Funeral arrangements are by the Sell-Herron Funeral Home, Allentown, Pa., www.Herronfuneralhomes.com and Hoffman Funeral Home Boswell, PA, www.hoffmanfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carolyn's memory to Good Shepherd Home - Raker Center, 850 South 5th Street, Allentown, Pa. 18103. www.goodshepherdrehab.org/sweet-charity/ways-to-give/how-your-gift-helps/good-shepherd-home/