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Carolyn K. Nicholas

September 30, 2025

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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.

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens

701 Amidon Street

Wichita,

KS

67203

botanica.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Carolyn was such a big part of Acrobatic Academy for thirty five years teaching gymnastics to young people who loved her happy laugh & joyful personality!
    We have such fond memories of her❤️
    Ms. Barb


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