Carolyn Bonifazi

Carolyn Bonifazi A beloved daughter, a caring sister, and a talented artist, Carolyn saw the world in shadows and texture, her life a canvas of quiet moments and sensitive introspection. Carolyn grew up in Tulsa, the second oldest in a loving and boisterous family of seven children where the Catholic priest came over every week for dinner and in the summers the family would pile in the station wagon for summer vacations to visit cousins in Dubuque, Iowa and Sallisaw, OK. She is survived by her parents, Arthur and Patty Bonifazi of Tulsa, and five siblings: Barbara Williams of Bartlesville, Debbi Fritz, Mary Bonifazi, David Bonifazi and Andrew Bonifazi, all of Tulsa. She is preceded in death by her brother, John Bonifazi. She has 10 nieces and nephews and 14 great nieces and nephews. Carolyn's life was a garden of kindness, observation, detail and porch tea contemplation. She was loved by all who came into her graces. Seeds took life in her garden and she enjoyed nothing better than putting her hands in the earth and making things grow, for which she had an overabundance of talent. She lived the majority of her adult life in Columbus, Ohio where she was associated with the law firm of Bricker & Eckler for more than a decade. Carolyn had a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in painting from the University of Tulsa, did post graduate studies at Emporia State University, and studied under Mary Ann Scherr at the Penland School. She was in the second graduating class at St. Mary's Catholic School in Tulsa, and is a graduate of Bishop Kelly High School. Everyone at the Cancer Treatment Centers described Carolyn as the "Sweetest lady...we just loved her." And Carolyn loved them as well, for she considered those who helped her in her fight against cancer as her extended family. Carolyn loved art, flowers, gardening, nature, museums and she loved little children—they followed her like a pied piper. When asked why children loved her so much, she said, "Because I talk to them with respect." Her quiet, sensitive way and giving spirit will be missed by all. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 8 from 5:00–7:00 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the Church of St. Mary, 1347 E. 49th Place, Tulsa OK. Services will be held Wednesday, January 9 at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of St. Mary. Officiating will be Father Jack Gleason. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fitzgerald Southwood Funeral Home, 91st and Harvard. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent in Carolyn’s name to the Linnaeus Teaching Gardens, 2435 S. Peoria, Tulsa, OK 74114. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.

Carolyn Bonifazi

October 21, 1948 - January 4, 2013