Carolyn Elaine Osborn

Carolyn “Elaine” Osborn, 88, of Kittanning, passed away on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital.  She was born Feb. 21, 1933 to Russell R. and Alverda “Grace” Westwood.  She was a graduate of Kittanning and later completed her Bachelor’s Degree with Indiana University in Early Child Development.  She married the love of her life, John Osborn, in 1956.  They had 51 years together until his passing in 2007.  She and John and family had many adventures together in the summer.  Many vacations to the beach, Creation Festivals, and Christmas ski trips always included special neighbors and relatives.  Many have wonderful memories of those days. 

Elaine’s passion, with John’s blessing, was creating memories for the neighborhood including plays, games, backyard Bible clubs, treasure hunts, a youth hangout for teens and their friends, and Clayhole reunions and sales to bring the neighbors together.  All of these events were able to happen as she was off for the summer from her teaching jobs.  She was employed as a substitute teacher for the Armstrong School District from high school to West Hills Elementary and Lenape Elementary.  Her next “adventure” was Armstrong County Community Action’s Head Start program from 1984-1993.  Her final years of education were as a Special Needs Aide at Kittanning Township Elementary, retiring at age 75. 

Even during her working years, she was very active in different Bible Study groups.  She loved taking anyone and everyone to church because she was passionate about introducing as many people as she could to a relationship and knowledge of Jesus Christ.  While still working she partnered with 2 special ladies to open The Lighthouse youth center in Clayhole, which was open every Friday and Saturday evening for many years.  It was a place to hang out, play games and snack, but visitors were also encouraged to sit for a time to hear the Gospel.  The Lighthouse reached many young people who affectionately referred to Elaine as Mrs. O.  Lives were changed by the structure of the atmosphere and yearly participation in Nativity scenes at the mall. 

She will be mostly be remembered by her family.  Those who cherish her memory include her daughter, Elyn, and her husband, Gary; son, Russ, and wife, Erica; and daughter, Kati, and husband, Rodger.  She will also be remembered by her grandchildren who loved their Nana: Clint (Aja) Anthony, Ely Anthony, Elyssa Osborn, Jesse John, Samantha (Michael) Cox, Isaac (Danielle) John, Aeryona Dongilli, Kody (Carrie) Baum, Kaleb (Kylee) Baum, and Andy Baum; and great-grandchildren, Ava Anthony, Willow, Uriah and Jeromiah Cox, and Callam and Amelia Baum. 

She is free at last to join “Pap” in heaven and receive her crown.  We will miss her but all those who love the Lord will see her again. 

Friends and family of Elaine will be received from 9 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021 at the First Baptist Church, 334 Arch St., Kittanning, Pa with Rev. Mark Brady officiating.  Masks are optional for those attending.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Kennedy & Blodgett Funeral Home in Kittanning.  

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