Carol Ann Styslinger

Carol Ann Styslinger

1936 - 2024

On July 3,2024 at 5:36PM, Carol Ann Styslinger took her last breath surrounded by her five children, Daniel (Stacey), Paul (Alisa), Brian (Denise), Tracy (Schuyler) and James. While her kids sat bedside, they played some of her favorite songs including many by Frank Sinatra. She took her final breath to the beat of the 5th Dimension’s “Let the Sunshine In”- which was a favorite. She had many struggles through the years and came to be known as the cat with 9 lives. Throughout it all, she retained her sense of humor, kindness, tenacity, care and brought joy to all she met. Born November 3,1936 to Finley Burns and Margaret (Fulton) Burns, Carol grew up in Pittsburgh, with her six siblings Finley, Ethel, Philip, James, Richard, and Jane.

Carol married Donald Norman Styslinger and they lived in Virginia, New Jersey, California, Nebraska, New York but raised her five children mainly in Gaithersburg MD. She loved to play music, draw, paint, sing, talk politics, chat and happily josh her friends and children. Many neighborhood children visited and played in the Walnut Hill house. She took the chaos in with wry humor and uncommon patience. She loved to hand paint cards for her family and friends. As a child she enjoyed singing, dancing and going to the cinema, which continued throughout her life. Her favorite tv shows were Columbo, BULL and Magnum PI. She loved baking cookies for the holidays and made a mean deviled egg in the summer.

Carol had a zest for life that helped her overcome mental health issues that began in 1970. Later in life, as her mental health became clearer her physical health started failing. In the last 20 years, she endured month-long stays in the hospital and remarkable recoveries that often seemed impossible, but she came back to life like a phoenix with joy and a tenacious spirit. Carol had a gift for understatement and a joy that helped her and those she knew overcome adversity.

In her final 16 months, Carol faced a broken hip, broken back, and a final broken arm with the same courage and grace that defined her life. She was delighted by the family she created most of all her grandchildren – Isabelle, Griffin, Ricky (Erika), Jackson, Ryan, Ian, Sophie and Rhys. She departed peacefully, surrounded by her five children who continue to be inspired by her humor, tenacity and joy.

She will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though we are deeply saddened by her death, we find grace and hope in the memories we shared and the knowledge that Carol's memory will remain in the lives she touched.

A celebration of Carol's life will be held on July 27, 2024 at 1303 Midwood Place, Silver Spring MD 20910.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness or select an alternate from the following this list , reflecting Carol's dedication to making the world a better place.

We invite you to join us in honoring the memory and life of our loved one on this dedicated memorial page. Your condolences, stories, and pictures will be cherished by the family and will provide comfort during this difficult time.

Care entrusted to Beltway Cremation Center, Gaithersburg, MD, 240-246-0400, www.BeltwayCremationCenter.com.