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Carolyn Klose Moritz, a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, an adored elementary school teacher for 25 years and a talented artist, passed away on Jan. 14 at age 95. She is survived by four children: Beth (Brock) Fitzgerald, Susan (Michael) Auinbauh, Carl (Susan) Moritz, and Christopher (Christine) Moritz. She was a beloved grandmother to 12 grandchildren -- Brooke (Matthew) Schaub, Lauren Wright, Bradley Fitzgerald; Kimberly Auinbauh, Pamela (Alex) Rauh, Melanie (David) Anderson; Eric (Samantha) Moritz, Paul (Lindsay) Moritz, Andrew Moritz; Katie Moritz, William Moritz, Timothy Moritz -- and 10 great-grandchildren. She was a cherished aunt, cousin and friend to many.
She is also survived by her sister, Kim (Ronald) Braun. She was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Florence Klose (nee Zeiser), brother Jules Klose (survived by his wife, Yvonne), and sister Susan Mobley Daigger.
Carolyn lived a full, active and adventurous life. Born Carolyn Florence Klose on Dec. 2, 1929, she was a proud graduate of Beaumont High School (January 1948) and loved attending class reunions. In 1972, she earned her bachelor's degree from Harris Teachers College and began her career as a second grade teacher. In 1979, she earned a master's degree in media arts from Webster University.
She taught second grade for 14 years in the Mehlville School District and 11 years in the Clayton School District. She was a longtime member of the St. Louis Artists' Guild and exhibited locally. She continued to pursue her art career through her adult and senior years, whether teaching or painting. She was proud that she was selected to study for three years at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C.
She applied her lifetime passion for art in numerous ways, creating a lasting effect on her family and students. Carolyn would draw portraits of all her students during lunch breaks each school year, followed by an unveiling party for students and parents. After retiring from teaching in 1995, Carolyn devoted much of her time to her "pride and joy" -- her 12 grandchildren. At Christmas one year, she unveiled beautiful pastel portraits of all 12 grandchildren, which are treasured by her family. Her artistic gifts and generous spirit were never idle.
Carolyn was a dedicated member of Salem Lutheran Church in Affton for more than 60 years and was a Sunday school teacher for many years.
She thoroughly enjoyed the company of her family and friends and possessed a contagious zest for life. One of her great joys was throwing holiday parties for her family every year, in which her cooking talents were on full display and special family recipes were greatly enjoyed.
Visitation: 9:30 a.m.-noon on Monday, Jan. 20 at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Road. Funeral service: noon at Bopp. Interment: Calvary Cemetery. Donations: Salem Lutheran Church (Affton) and the St. Louis Artists' Guild. www.boppchapel.com