Carolyn Trosdal Obituary

Carolyn Meriwether Johnson Trosdal Carolyn Meriwether Johnson Trosdal, died on Monday, July 7, 2014 surrounded by her adoring family. Born on December 17, 1950, she was the daughter of Peggy and David Johnson and the wife of Einar Trosdal III for 33 years. She attended Savannah Country Day School and was a graduate of Jenkins High School. Carolyn began her higher education at Stratford College in Virginia. She finished her undergraduate degree at Boston University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She subsequently earned a Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Boston College. In addition, she pursued her love of ministry and education through her participation in the Education for Ministry Program (EFM) at Sewanee. Carolyn's devotion to family and community over the years led her to participate in many civic organizations. She served on the Board of Directors of SAFE Shelter, in Savannah, Georgia, a local program which provides confidential services to all victims of domestic violence. Carolyn was actively involved in the leadership of The Church of the Cross in Bluffton, South Carolina. Ever seeking to connect people and build community, she co-founded the church bazaar which continues to be a favorite annual event. She served on the Vestry, was President of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) and led Youth Groups and Sunday School classes. Carolyn's passion for ministering to youth and facilitating their growth in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ led to many joyful experiences for all those present during her time as a youth ministry volunteer. She earned the distinction of Master Gardener and was a participant in Toastmasters. In 1998, Carolyn joined the Rotary Club of Savannah and became involved with the Rotary Foundation. In 2000, she led the Club in raising funds for the Foundation in support of worldwide polio eradication.  In 2005, through Rotary, she orchestrated the construction of a water well in one of the most impoverished areas of Afghanistan, thereby providing not only lifesaving support to the population, but also support to US troops on the ground.  Carolyn later served on the Rotary Board of Directors and in 2009 started the annual Rotary "Play it Forward" event, a fundraiser for the Foundation. The district leadership recognized her in 2009 for her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to Rotary International. In her professional life, Carolyn began her career working in Boston, Massachusetts as a Social Worker assisting cancer patients and their families. Upon returning to Savannah in 1980, she continued her work helping patients and their families at the Coastal Dialysis Clinic. After staying home to raise her three children, she returned to work with her father, David Johnson, at Interstate/Johnson Lane as a Financial Advisor for 10 years. In 2006, she began working with her brother-in-law, Michael Curran, at Johnson Lane Partners, ultimately retiring in 2010. Carolyn's legacy will be a source of joy and inspiration to her family and friends. As "Mimi" to her grandchildren, Carolyn brought to life a distinctive creativity and innovative thinking which is still apparent when the ten cousins, ranging in age from 5 to 18, reunite. Her colorful and often unpredictable whimsy and her resolve to choose joy, no matter the circumstance, imprinted on her family, her friends, and even her acquaintances. She is survived by her parents, Peggy and David Johnson, her husband, Einar, her sister and brother-in law, Jan and Michael Curran, her nephew, Jordan Curran, her children, Katherine Trosdal Rosenblum and husband David, Storm Trosdal and wife Lynn, and Richard Trosdal. Carolyn is also survived by her ten grandchildren: Davis, Carol Ann and John Rosenblum; Einar, Christian, Lydia, Ty and Asher Trosdal; David and Margaret Trosdal. Visitation will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, July 11, at Saul's Funeral Home in Bluffton, South Carolina and the memorial service will be held at The Church of the Cross in Historic Downtown Bluffton on Saturday, July 12, at 11:00 am.  A private, graveside service will be held at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia.  Preferred Remembrances: The Rotary Foundation c/o The Rotary Club of Savannah P.O. Box 11105 Savannah, Georgia 31412. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm til 6:00 pm on Friday, July 11 at Sauls.