Carolyn K. Nicholas
September 30, 2025
Carolyn K. Nicholas, beloved wife, mother, mema, and sister, passed away on September 30, 2025 at the age of 63.
Rosary will be at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, October 8, 2025; Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, Thursday, October 9, 2025, both at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.
Carolyn was born the seventh and last daughter to E. Leo and Burchie Kastens. Born and raised in Wichita, KS, Carolyn graduated high school from Bishop Carroll in 1980 and remained in Wichita throughout her life.
Carolyn married the love of her life, Terry Nicholas, on October 7, 1989. Together, they built a life full of love, joy, and adventure. They raised their daughters in a loving, devoted household full of laughter and cherished memories.
In addition to her children, Carolyn adored her grandchildren. She loved being “Mema,” and was a constant, warm, and ornery presence for her many grandkids.
Carolyn also spent nearly 35 years teaching gymnastics to hundreds of students through Acrobatic Academy. As “Mrs. Carolyn,” she had the opportunity to touch many lives and have a positive impact on our community.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, E. Leo and Burchie Kastens.
She is survived by her husband, Terry Nicholas; daughters, Sarah “Sadie” (Zachary) Buckingham of Wichita, Kansas, Chloe (Joseph) Schueneman of Colwich, Kansas, Lilyanne (Carson) Roberts of Kechi, Kansas; sisters, Christine (Steve) Patterson of Brandon, Mississippi, Catherine (Ted) Spexarth of Colwich, Kansas, Cynthia (John) Bowman of St. John, Indiana, Colleen Debacker of Tampa, Florida, Cheryl (Mike) Wood of Dallas, Texas, Cary (John) Roth of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial has been established with: Botanica, 701 N. Amidon St., Wichita, KS 67203.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – West Chapel.
Services
Rosary: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 7:00 pm
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
645 N. 119th St. W.
Wichita, KS 67235
Funeral Mass: Thursday, October 9, 2025 10:30 am
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
645 N. 119th St. W.
Wichita, KS 67235
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Carolyn K. Nicholas 's name.
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We have such fond memories of her❤️
Ms. Barb
Your mom will live on in the memories of every person she knew.
I am so very sorry to hear this – Carolyn was such a beautiful bubbly woman. Sending lots and love to you all, Terry, Sadie, Chloe and Lily during this time.
Ms. Carolyn was a genuine, loving, and strong woman. She taught my daughter gymnastics at Acrobatic Academy and I have fond memories of how much she wanted to impart on her students. She empowered kids to try to do things on their own, as well as taught them basics like how to wait their turn and try their best, even when things were hard. She never backed down from a kid crying or wanting to give up, she encouraged with a firm and loving manner to help them succeed. She also often spoke lovingly of her daughters. So full of life and gone too soon, Carolyn was joyful and charismatic, and that’s how we will remember her. She and her family are in my prayers.