Carolyn Jean Vajen

Carolyn Jean Vajen, age 84, of Perrysburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, surrounded by her family at Otterbein Senior Life, Pemberville.

Carolyn was born on January 5, 1942, in Toledo, Ohio, to Laurence and Violet (Jacobs) Blandin. She earned her Bachelor of Education degree from Bowling Green State University.

On September 8, 1962, Carolyn married the love of her life, Kenneth Vajen, at Zoar Lutheran Church in Perrysburg. She was a devoted member of Zoar Lutheran Church, where she played in the bell choir, taught Sunday school for many years, and volunteered in the church office.

Carolyn shared her love of children as a preschool teacher for many years at Church of the Master in Perrysburg. She cherished spending time with her children and especially loved time with her grandchildren.

Carolyn had a lifelong passion for gardening and took great joy in working in her yard. She especially loved growing vegetables and flowers, with a special fondness for orchids, and was a proud member of the Greater Toledo Orchid Society.

She enjoyed canning, and her family especially cherished her home-canned peaches. Carolyn was talented in stained glass work, loved camping, and enjoyed traveling with her husband. Their adventures included a trip to Alaska and a memorable journey across Western Europe, with Austria holding a particularly special place in her heart.

Carolyn is survived by her sons Michael (Shelly) Vajen and James (Jennifer) Vajen; grandchildren, Toni, Stephen (Staci), Kyle, Lauren, Krysta, Katie, Tyler, and Allyson; several great-grandchildren; siblings, Margie (Ron) Rice, and Kenny (Lynda) Blandin; along with many nieces, nephews, and loving family members. Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ken; and sister, Connie Everly.

The family will receive friends at Witzler Shank Walker Funeral Home, 222 East South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, Friday, January 16, 2026, from 2:00 pm until memorial service at 7:00 pm. Private interment: Ft. Meigs Union Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Zoar Lutheran Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.