On Friday, September 27, 2024, at Miller’s Health and Rehab in La Porte, Indiana, Carolyn Pillai, who was 82 years old and a resident of La Porte, Indiana, succumbed to life. She was the daughter of George Alfred Sweder and Eunice (Williams) Sweder and born on November 16, 1941, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Carolyn grew raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Augustana College and then her Master’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She also completed a Master’s degree in Counselling from Governors State University.
She married her soul mate, Janardanan Pillai, whom she met at the University of Illinois; he died twenty-one years before she did. Two official ceremonies honouring their marriage took place one in Grand Rapids, Michigan and another in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Carolyn raised her two sons in Flossmoor, IL, where she lived much of her adult years. She had lived in La Porte, IN., for the previous seven years.
Carolyn started a noteworthy career as a clinical microbiologist at the University of Chicago Hospitals then worked as a counsellor in Tinley Park, IL, where she shared her knowledge and compassion with people in need.
Carolyn, a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church of La Porte, started the Merry Widows Club, actively participated in the Book Club, and sung in the chorus. She was an Elder on Session. She loved visiting casinos, dining out, and having interesting talks; she also delighted her friends by playing cards.
Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, at 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN, where the family will welcome friends on Friday, October 4, from 5 PM until 8 PM, is in charge of arrangements. Saturday, October 5, at 10 AM, The Presbyterian Church of La Porte, at 307 Kingsbury Ave., La Porte, IN 46350, will have a celebration of life. Later on, cremation will occur and be placed in the columbarium of The Presbyterian Church of La Porte.
Memorial gifts could be made to The Presbyterian Church of La Porte, 307 Kingsbury Ave., La Porte, IN 46350.
