Carolyn Modisher

Carolyn Ruth Pierce Modisher was born October 29, 1921 and died January 3, 2026. She is survived by daughter Christine Modisher, son James Modisher (Susi), grandchildren Heidi Steele (Garrick) and Dustin Modisher (Jen Brown), and great grandson Gavin Steele.

Carolyn was born to Frank and Nellie Pierce in Painted Post, New York on a farm where they grew and picked strawberries and other crops. She was the baby of the family and was much loved by her big sister Sylvia and big brother Alson. In high school, she was a cheerleader who had many admirers. She attended Allegheny College where a young man named Don Modisher saved her a seat in English class and a place in his heart forever.

Don and Carolyn married in 1943, making her a minister's wife, and a mother of two, both roles she cherished and at which she excelled. Her talents at hosting and cooking have been passed down, along with her recipes like ‘Methodist Casserole,’ Jello-O salads, and molasses cookies. She was an avid writer, enjoying poetry, correspondence, and memoirs. Her annual Christmas messages in calligraphic rhymed verse are much valued by family and friends.

In retirement, Carolyn and Don crisscrossed the United States in their RV five times, seeing many sights along the way. She spent ten winters with Don at the Voyager RV Resort which were some of her happiest times; she danced regularly, hiked in the desert, and won two Senior Olympic swimming medals in her eighties. She summered at their idyllic Chautauqua Lake cottage where she entertained visitors, friends, and her beloved family. She swam its calm waters by day and at night taught the art of tending a fire.

She and Don moved to Nashville, where they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. Her 100th birthday at the Brookdale Green Hills was a bash she treasured and remembered. She loved regaling visitors of this and other tales, including her regular visitors and friends Penelope Peirce, Susan Savage, Mary Walker, Jan Dick, and her daughter.

She will be remembered for her generosity, mirth, and creativity, but above all, she will be remembered for the tenacity of her spirit and her profound and enduring love for her family.

She will be interred in Jamestown, NY next to her beloved husband Don. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Alive Hospice or Belmont United Methodist Church in Nashville.