Carolyn Spencer

As a result of current restrictions on gatherings, we are providing HeartStrings, our online sympathy message where you can upload a photo and write a note or share a memory that will be printed and given to the family. Please click here to send your support.

Carolyn Louise Spencer, age 69 of Cottage Grove, passed away April 6, 2020.

Carolyn was born December 16, 1950 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Henry and Doris (Rickel) Berens.  She grew up in Cottage Grove and where she graduated from Park High School in 1969.  Carolyn met the love of her life, Gregory Spencer while she was waitressing at the Tom Moy Café and they were married on August 16, 1969.  She was always a caregiver at heart, so the nursing career fit her perfectly.  In 1985 she graduated from the nursing program at Inver Hills Community College.  She worked for a brief time at Mounds Park Hospital before taking a position at United Hospital where she worked in the OB department for over 20 years.  She loved taking care of her patients and excelled in antepartum care to moms on bed rest prior to delivery.  Even to this day, she still cared for others as an “off duty” nurse.  One of the highlights of her life was being able to celebrate their 50th anniversary and mark the moment by taking a cruise last August.

Carolyn loved gardening, traveling, keeping things organized and spending time with her friends and family.  As a team, she and Greg enjoyed hosting and opening their home to countless family and friends through the years.  Carolyn inspired many people with her courage and unshakable faith that she had when facing her health issues over the past several years.  Her spunky personality and generous heart will be missed by many.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, Greg; sons Tony (Natalie) and Jason; faithful furry companion Josie; 5 grandsons, Evan, Noah, Jack, Luke and Nicholas; brother “Butch” (Darlene) Berens and sister Kathryn (Dale) Malm.  She is preceded in death by her parents and infant baby girl, Angela Danielle.

Visitation will be 4-7 pm, Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676-80th Street S., Cottage Grove.  Memorial Mass 11 am, Thursday, August 13, 2020 at The Church of St.. Rita, 8694 80th Street S., Cottage Grove, with burial at Cottage Grove Cemetery.  Masks will be REQUIRED at both events.  The family would like to express their appreciation to Allina Hospice and especially for the care they received from nurse Jen.

During the visitation, family and friends that are interested, will be able to record a short memory of Carolyn that will be shared with Greg and family.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: Carolyn's service will be live streamed, starting at 11:00 am on August 13th, and can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page and CLICK PLAY to begin.  Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall or complete the HeartStrings message form to let the family know you were able to watch the service

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to accommodate gatherings while abiding to a 50% capacity at the facility. The use of face masks by attendees is required for all indoor events, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep your families safe. Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available on the obituary portion on our website. We also encourage you to view the video tribute once it becomes available or complete the HeartStrings online sympathy page with the link above.