Ken Oliver

A LIFE OF VOLUNTEERING 

There is a truism that states, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person to do!” There isn’t anyone at Kirby Pines who is busier than Carolyn Hladky. She is involved in a myriad of activities and volunteers her time in various ways. 

Carolyn moved to Kirby Pines from New Jersey. However, she spent her first 18 years in Memphis. Born in 1941 as Carolyn Welch, she and her family lived in a small apartment in the back of a “Mom and Pop” store in East Memphis, which her father bought when he returned from serving in the Army. He would own the store for 30 years, but the family moved to the White Station area when Carolyn was seven years old. 

Carolyn remembers her childhood as a happy time, playing with children in the neighborhood and her older brother, Jimmie. For school, she attended East Elementary, White Station and Memphis Christian. When the Memphis Christian School became Harding Academy, Carolyn was among their first graduates in 1959. Her family attended the Church of Christ regularly, and Carolyn loved all the activities provided. In fact, her faith became so strong that she became involved, at an early age, as a volunteer in church ministry– working with young people in VBS. In high school, during summer vacations, she was involved in Camp Wyldewood near Searcy, Arkansas, first as a camper, and then on staff.

Following graduation, Carolyn enrolled in Harding College in Searcy, majoring in Elementary Education. In 1961, following her sophomore year, she volunteered to work at Camp Shiloh, a Christian camp in Mendham, New Jersey. She met another staff member, Roger Hladky, who was a student from Abilene Christian College. There was a mutual attraction for each other, so they began dating. Carolyn returned to Harding for her remaining two years of college; Roger transferred to Harding. They were married six months after they met in a beautiful December wedding. They lived in student housing until Carolyn graduated in 1963. Carolyn relates this story, “Before Roger and I married, I introduced him to my grandfather. When I spelled his last name, my grandfather replied, ‘Aw, that don’t spell nuthin!’ So, for our married life of 61 years, we often used that phrase when people questioned the spelling or pronunciation of our last name.”

Following graduation from Harding, Carolyn and Roger made the decision to move to Tabernacle, New Jersey. They already had friends there, so it made the transition easier. Carolyn began teaching in an elementary school while Roger continued his education. Later, Roger began teaching in middle school. They welcomed Holly, their only child, and would make Tabernacle their home for 60 years. Roger would eventually become principal of his school. Carolyn has this to say about Tabernacle, “It was a wonderfully nurturing place to live, work and attend church. Roger was an elder in the Church of Christ, and I taught the Ladies Class. We also served in Youth Ministry for over 50 years. What a rewarding experience! We have ‘kids’ all over the United States and regularly keep in touch with them.” For many years, Carolyn and Roger also directed a camping session each summer for high school students at Camp Manatawny in Pennsylvania. They also took their “teens” on two mission trips to Scotland.

Carolyn retired from teaching after 32 years but continued her involvement with church. Retirement allowed her time to enjoy reading, gardening and travel. She and Roger visited many well-known tourist sites in the U.S. and Europe.

Carolyn and Roger knew they needed to be close to Holly when Roger began to have multiple health issues. Holly lives in Collierville with her husband, Steve Pruitt; they have two daughters. Madison is a teacher, and Savannah is a nurse. Carolyn says, “Holly and I are ‘best friends’ and talk almost every day.” She continues, “With the wonderful assistance of Holly and Kirby staff, Roger and I moved to Kirby Pines in December 2022.” Sadly, Roger died unexpectedly a short time after they moved in.

Carolyn stays busy. She is involved in almost every activity available at Kirby Pines! She is in the Bookbaggers, Entertainers Chorus, Trivia Group, and “thrilled” that she was selected to be in the Rhythm Band. “I play a mean washboard,” she admits. She has learned to play Mahjong and Mexican Train, and she volunteers for the “Gift Shop.” She loves to cook and is always leaving “goodies” at resident’s doors–especially her neighbors. Carolyn says one of her most enjoyable activities is the time she spends reading and sharing with the residents in the Villa, and she finds serving on the Memorial and Advisory Committees very rewarding. She attends Bible classes and is a member of Germantown Church of Christ where she is involved with the Diaper Ministry. This group supplies diapers for a number of families, prays for them and assists them as needed. 

As such a positive and active member of our Kirby community, Carolyn has endeared herself to all. It is no secret that Carolyn loves to whistle! She says, “If you hear some ‘chirping’ in the hallways, it is probably me.” 

Carolyn says, “Moving to Kirby was like ‘coming home.’ I was so grateful to be among friends when Roger passed away. Everyone was so kind and supportive. I love my apartment and neighbors. I am enjoying this new chapter in my life and feel so truly blessed!”

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.