Carolyn (Geare) Westfall, 97, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by all of her children on Saturday, April 1, 2023.
Carolyn was born on August 22, 1925 in Phoenix, Arizona to Tom and Louise Geare. Carolyn attended St. Mary’s High School where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Harry Earl Westfall, Jr. Harry and Carolyn went on to have 19 children: Tim (Louise), Danny (Karen), Brian (Chris, deceased) (Teri), Suzanne, Nancy (Bob), Mike, Tom (Karen), Terry (Janice), Lucy (Mike), Marianne (Fred, deceased), Dickie (Debbie), Rocko (Kim), Jim (Laura), Kevin (Michele), Kathleen (Jim), Diane, Colleen (JR), Steve (Kim) and Billy, deceased. She is preceded in death by her husband Harry and son Billy, father Tom, mother Louise, brothers Tom and Mike, sisters Betty (Bebe), Patricia and Marianne. She is survived by her sister, Raima, her 18 children, 41 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.
Carolyn was a devoted wife and mother who loved her children unconditionally. She cherished her family above all else. Carolyn was a devout Catholic, and along with Harry, was one of the founding families of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church where all of her children attended school. She was happily married to Harry for over 50 years until his death. She had a “million dollar” smile that could spread cheer a mile wide and a heart of gold to match. Anyone who ever knew Carolyn would say she was the kindest person they ever met. She loved music and always wanted those around to sing with her.
Carolyn was proud to be part of the Geare family that owned and operated the first dairy in Arizona, Central Avenue Dairy. The dairy was sold in the 1950’s and later became what we know as the sites of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Park Central Mall.
A Vigil will be held from 6:00-8:00 P.M. with a Rosary starting at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, April 13, 2023 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Avenue in Phoenix. Private burial to follow at St. Francis Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Vincent De Paul and St. Mary’s Food Bank.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Tom Woods
I love the Westfall family and wish I knew your Mom better—she had to be a great lady! Will be praying for all of you during this difficult time!❤️ Tommy Woods
Ashley Stewart
What a tremendous woman! I’m fortunate to know her oldest and 3rd to youngest and many grandchildren. Her legacy will live on with so much love.
HeidiTroutman Pace
What an amazing life and legacy. I always think of her as smiling and kind. She raised an amazing family. May your cherished memories of her bring you comfort and peace. Sending love to the Westfall family.
Pete Hutchinson
To all the Westfall‘s, I’m sorry for your loss. Being neighbors back in the day, it brings back a lot of great memories. Mrs. Westfall is always so kind.
Megan Garvey
What an incredible legacy she leaves behind! Sending you all so much love and our deepest sympathies as you celebrate her amazing life but also mourn the loss of such a special mother and grandmother to so many!
With love,
Megan and Sean Garvey
Pam Trompeter Aguilu
Mama Westfall! She graced this earth with love and generosity.
Hugs & prayers for all the kids. Wish I could be there to given them in person.
Keep her memory alive with plenty of smiles and laughter.
kelly kinion
The Westfall’s 21’… Harry and Carolyn with 19 children are some of the finest people around and what a blessing to know them and be a small part of their family. The legacy that Carolyn has left is one of always treating others as she wanted to be treated with kindness, love and genuine heartfelt kindness. A trait sadly missing in our society. The way you make someone feel, will outweigh anything you teach them, or show them and she always made you feel like one of the family and you belonged! Even though she was 97, I know her passing while somewhat expected is still not easy. She will be truly missed and we will keep all of the Westfall brothers and sisters in our thoughts and prayers! I can honestly say the little time (in comparison) we spent with her she loved us. We will all remember how blessed we were to know her and be a small part of her life! Love, Kelly and Teresa Kinion and Family
Yazmin Ruiz
I will never forget the peace that was felt when I was next to Carolyn. She taught me to appreciate the silence and contemplate the sky, whether it was a sunny or cloudy day for her it was a beautiful day and she would close her eyes, sigh, and smile. She will always be in my heart. My condolences to the family and rest well my sweet Carolyn. ♥️
Ann Oakley
Tim and family, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. She must have been an incredible woman!
Ann Oakley
CECILIA I WALKER
To the Westfall family, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was one of my favorite people. I will always remember her fondly. Mike and I send our love and condolences. Mike and Cecilia W