Obituary of Carolyn M Lieberman

Carolyn Lieberman passed peacefully September 6, 2016 after a long illness. She is deeply missed by her daughter Judy and son-in-law Adam Glenn, her sons Adam and Eric, and grandchildren Max and Olivia. She is also deeply missed by her brother and sister-in-law Charles and Janice Grodnik. She is predeceased by her parents Jacob and Lillian Grodnik and her dear sister Natalie Westreich. Carolyn was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She adored growing up on the shore of Lake Harriet and listening to the music from the bandshell in the summer. Unlike her sister Natalie, she despised the Minneapolis winters. She attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and she moved to Howell, New Jersey with her family in 1971, and moved to Jackson, New Jersey in 2000. Carolyn was a professional artist and beloved elementary and art teacher for many years at the Solomon Schechter Academy of Marlboro and Lakewood Prep schools. She had a significant impact on her students and to this day her students and their families have remained close to her, even decades after having been in her classroom. Carolyn was most passionate about animals. An animal rights activist, she supported multiple causes on behalf of animals, was a strict vegetarian for decades, and volunteered, along with her children, at no kill animal shelters. She gently but seriously shared her conviction with others and made a mark on several generations. She also saved the lives of numerous cats, dogs and turtles who became part of her home and who enjoyed the love and care she showered on them. Her children inherited her animal rights ethics, which is equally important to them. Carolyn was also passionate about politics and would most certainly have done everything in her power to ensure that the right person becomes president. Everyone who met Carolyn loved her. She had a strong and quirky sense of humor, even as her health declined. She received visitors from all facets of her life; nursing staff would report, "She's got visitors coming and going all the time!" Even toward the end of her life, she would sing along to her favorite songs with her family and retained her sense of humor. Above all, she maintained an exceptionally positive perspective, despite enduring a long, disabling illness. Friends, family and even her doctors considered her an inspiration for her strength and wholeheartedness. She was extraordinary and will long be remembered as a remarkably special person. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Carolyn's name to Farm Sanctuary, www.farmsanctuary.org.