Mary Carol (Cave) Wollenhaupt

Mary Carol (Cave) Wollenhaupt, of Lawrenceville, GA lived a beautiful life of 80 years and peacefully went to be with our Lord on September 10, 2023 after a long, courageous battle with dementia. Mary, the loving wife of Glen Harris Wollenhaupt for nearly 60 years and the caring mother of Glen Michael (Jeanette) Wollenhaupt and Wendy Ann (Travis) Ashburn, has found her voice again in heaven. Mary received in-home dementia care lovingly provided by her husband, Glen, as well as care by a dear Hospice team during Mary’s last few months. Mary also delighted in being called “GrandMary” by her grandchildren, Claire Elizabeth Ashburn and Trevor Eugene Ashburn, who brought her much joy and laughter that will forever be cherished.

Mary was born in 1942 to Vera and Reginald Cave in Cincinnati, OH. “Mary Carol” as she was called by Cincinnati Western Hills High School friends, graduated in 1960 excelling academically and enjoying roles as Vice President of Student Council, Cheerleader, Vice President of Sub Deb Sorority, President of the Drama Club and Basketball Queen. Mary next attended the University of Cincinnati where she graduated with an Associate of Business Administration degree. Mary and Glen were high school sweethearts and married in 1963 at Shiloh United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, OH.

Mary worked as an executive secretary at The Kroger Company Cincinnati headquarters, but soon found more joy in motherhood and focused on creating a lovely and encouraging home environment for her family. At that time, Mary and Glen settled into their first home in Cincinnati. Mary then managed the moves to 5 additional homes over several decades due to Glen’s job transfers, living in their latest home in Lawrenceville, GA for 27 years. Meanwhile, Mary overcame challenges in health; all while offering her sweet spirit and kindness to her family, friends, and communities.

Mary brought much joy to herself and her family and friends, leaving a lasting impression on her children and grandchildren with her love for art, music, movies, shows, plays, writing, reading books, and sending handwritten notes and cards.

Mary was a woman of much style, class, beauty, and intelligence. Mary triumphed being “Mom” at home with much love and attention to son Glen and daughter Wendy. She encouraged Glen and Wendy in everything they did, opening up opportunities that allowed them to become who they are today. Glen and Wendy will remember many loving times in the car being driven to activities, delicious family meals and treats at home, welcoming hugs and talks after school, lengthy phone discussions where every detail mattered, and so much more but all so loving and encouraging. Mary excelled at being “Mom”.

While her focus was her home and family, Mary still found time to enjoy activities outside the home such as teaching aerobics, working in clothing and gift shops, joining creative writing circles, volunteering at kids’ schools, and taking classes at local colleges. Education and knowledge enthralled Mary and she continued her studies formally at Yellow Springs Antioch College and Atlanta’s Oglethorpe University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities in 2002 at the age of 60!

Mary left a legacy of love and memories for all and especially for her grandchildren through her presence at countless birthday parties, symphony concerts, soccer matches, basketball games, ballet recitals; through her beautiful handwritten encouragement and thoughtful gifts; and through memorable waffle breakfasts, Braves games, High Museum visits, festive holidays, and just time well-spent together. GrandMary’s excitement over attending her grandchildren’s’ NYC Carnegie Hall concert in 2019 was apparent to all who knew her!

Mary cherished her additional family members including late sister Barbara (late Tom) Noyes, their 4 children, and brother-in-law Mike (Patricia) Wollenhaupt, and their 2 children. Mary also leaves many other cherished family members and dear lifetime friends.

Wages’s and Son’s Funeral Home, 1031 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lawrenceville GA, 30046 with Website www.wagesandsons.com preformed the cremation of dear Mary following a private family viewing. In addition to ongoing daily private celebrations of Mary’s cherished life, a formal Celebration of Life will be planned for a future date. In the meantime, her ashes rest with her immediate family.