Carolyn A DeHondt

On June 9, 2016, Carolyn Bruner DeHondt beautifully completed the task God gave her as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Surrounded by family, who were first-hand recipients of her love, Carolyn stepped from sickness to complete healing. In His steadfast love and wisdom, God gave her the final victory over her 1 ½-year battle with cancer. A disease that is known to rob what is precious was used in her life to enrich her love for and trust in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Seventy-six years ago, the journey of her life began on March 23, 1940. Only 16 years later, she met the love of her life and spent the rest of her life loving and serving Rene DeHondt. As a teenager, Carolyn began her 42-year career in banking, which included excellent service as a Senior Vice President of Pioneer Bank and Hibernia Bank. From popcorn parties to homemade salsa to matching Christmas pajamas, she turned everyday events into a celebration. Her grandson, Paul, once said, "Going to Dede's house is better than going to Six Flags!" Saying "I love you" just wasn't enough for her. She and her grandchildren, Anna Beth and Abigail, expressed it this way - "I love you all the way to Heaven - to the top of God's head when He's standing up!" Her gift of hospitality overflowed to anyone who walked through her door. No one left her house without having the opportunity to select from a vast assortment of Bluebell Ice Cream! To the very end, she was doing what she did best, making those around her feel special and loved. She always said that she "took motherhood very seriously." And everyone that knew her believed it because she proved it with her life. In our times of trouble, Dede always said, "This too shall pass." Our grief will pass. Our lack of understanding will pass. Our sorrow will pass. But what will never pass away is our love for her and her overflowing, eternal joy. She leaves so many treasured memories to her children, Danny and his wife Jodi, of Allen, Texas; Chris; and Shannon and her husband Paul Flowers; six grandchildren, Sarah, Paul, Camila, Anna Beth, Abigail and Elijah; her nephew, Eddie DeHondt; several special nieces and nephews; her beloved sister, Sissy Snider; and her extraordinary friend, JoAnne Cross, who was more like a sister to her. Visitation will be Monday, June 13, 9:30am-10:45am at Calvary Baptist Church. Immediately following, services celebrating her life will be held Monday, June 13, 2016 at 11:00am at Calvary Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be David Snider, Scott Ryan, David DeHondt, Ernie Fegley, Ray Brown, George Webb, Kevin Cross and Bill Hoolahan. Honorary pallbearers include Gene Ash, Bob Roemer, Butch Bunch, A,J, Strahan and Jim Harris. Officiating the service will be Rev. Eddie DeHondt and Rev. Paul Flowers. Interment will follow at Forest Park West.