Carolyn Horan

Carolyn Horan, age 84, of Kettering, Ohio, passed away on April 23, 2026.

Carolyn was born on October 9, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Walter and Florence Gohr. She graduated from Glenbard West High School, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and the University of Illinois, where she earned a bachelor’s degree. She later earned a Master’s degree in special education from the University of Dayton. On January 29, 1966, she married Peter Horan. They moved to Kettering, Ohio, and were blessed with two beautiful daughters.

Carolyn embraced all facets of her life with joy, compassion, generosity, and curiosity.

After college, a sense of adventure led Carolyn to serve as a flight attendant for American Airlines. She later became a teacher at Dayton City Schools, working with special-needs and at-risk youth. She was an intelligent and engaging mentor with a gift for connecting with young adults. An animated storyteller, creative thinker, and problem solver, she guided countless students through graduation and into the job market, fostering independence and setting her students up for success.

Carolyn’s interests were diverse: She was active in the Tripod Camera Club, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Lenox Lane Garden Club and Quail Run Racquet Club. She played piano, enjoyed dancing, and sang for many years in the Dayton Philharmonic Choir. After retirement, she took up photography and won several local awards. Forever humble, she pursued her talents to enrich her own life and the lives she touched.

Carolyn will be remembered for her inner and outer beauty, giving nature, joyous spirit, and infectious laugh.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Norman Gohr. Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband of sixty years, Peter Horan; daughters, Pamela (Kevin) Horan-Bussey, Pattie (Frank) Bis; and treasured grandsons, Nicholas and Jonathan Luke Bussey.

There will be a Celebration of Life reception at Bethany Village, 6443 Far Hills Ave, Centerville, OH in the Village Center Classroom on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 1:00-4:00 pm. Follow Bethany Village Drive directly until you pass under the Village Center overpass. Turn right to park in the Village Center parking lot. Enter through the rear door of the Village Center and take the elevator to the 2nd floor. Coming off the elevator, as you face the large sculpture in front of you, take the hallway to your right, past the Bistro to the Classroom.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, or the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance.