Carolyn A. (Petro) Pepin

Carolyn A. (Petro) Pepin, 84, of Mentor, passed away at her home on Sunday, December 14, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on December 5, 1941, in Ashtabula, OH. Carolyn was raised in Geneva, Ohio on her family’s grape and fruit farm. She attended Spencer High School where she was a cheerleader rooting on the school’s various athletic teams. She attended Kent State University before transferring to Bowling Green University where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Education. She later earned her master’s degree in education. Carolyn (and husband Lyle) eventually settled in Concord, Ohio, and after staying home for a number of years to raise their children, Carolyn returned to teaching in the Mentor Schools. She was a kindergarten teacher at Hopkins Elementary where she taught until her retirement many years later. Carolyn was a consummate hostess, and enjoyed entertaining friends and family alike, whether it be hosting book club, throwing holiday parties or coordinating family reunions. Along with her husband, Lyle, Carolyn was an avid traveler and enjoyed experiencing new cultures and others’ way of life. At the same time, she loved traveling domestically and particularly enjoyed her time in Gulf Shores, Alabama where she and Lyle spent much of the winter for many years. In her later years, Carolyn also enjoyed bird watching and bird identification. While Carolyn embraced her varied interests, family was Carolyn’s foremost priority and her dedication to her family was unparalleled. She was also a devout Christian, and her faith guided her life until her passing. Survivors include her children: Michelle Pepin, Lyle (David Dzurinda) Pepin and Erica (Ian) Whinnem; grandchildren: Shelby (Anthony Caradonna) Metzger, Ellia Metzger and Tommy Stefanik; siblings: William “Bill” (Nikki) Petro, Diane (Ed) Mikkelsen and James “Jimmy” Petro and nephews, including: Al (Hibre) Hurst and Chad (Aletha) Hurst. Preceding Carolyn in death are her husband of 59 years: E. Lyle Pepin; parents: William and Helen Petro; and brother: David Petro. The family will receive friends and family from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to Star House, 1220 Corrugated Way, Columbus, OH 43201, Hannah's Home, 8525 Lakeshore Blvd #1516, Mentor, OH 44060 or Doctors without Borders, 40 Rector St., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10006. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Carolyn A. (Petro) Pepin

December 5, 1941 - December 14, 2025