Carolyn E. Litwin

Carolyn Estelle Litwin, 92, of Topeka, passed away September 1, 2026.

Carolyn was born on May 19, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri to David and Etta (Abrams) Glazier. She graduated from University City High School, enrolled at Wellesley College and completed her undergraduate degree at Washburn University. Carolyn married Lawrence (Larry) Litwin in 1953 and moved to Topeka, KS where Larry was the proprietor of Litwin’s Family Clothing Stores.

Carolyn had many dreams, which she put on hold while pouring her energy into parenting and educating her 3 children.

After Larry’s death in 1989, and once her children were launched, Carolyn obtained two Masters degrees in Teaching ESL and English. Strong, independent, intelligent and curious, she built a new life and found many ways to contribute to the community.

Carolyn brought her love of language to students from all over the world, most recently as a tutor to a young mother in the Ukraine. Their last meeting was just days before Carolyn’s death.

Judaism was central to Carolyn’s life. She served as president of the Sisterhood and chair of the Social Action Committee at Temple Beth Sholom in Topeka. She was deeply committed to bringing together people of different faiths, and helped to found the Topeka Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, a group of Muslim and Jewish women dedicated to peaceful cultural exchange.

Carolyn received multiple awards for her garden and was featured in Better Homes and Gardens. As a member of Master Gardeners, she developed programs for disabled children and adults that helped them experience the earth and the cycles of life.

She enjoyed music, theater, swimming, tennis and skiing and later in her life became an avid poet and pursued drawing, painting and mahjong.

Numerous community service activities included reading for the blind, voter registration, supporting Midland Hospice, preparing and serving Christmas meals at the Ronald McDonald House and volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Louis Herbert Glazier. Survivors include her three children, Julie (Shelley) of Oakland, CA, Sheldon (Christine) of Charleston, SC and Daveen (Stacey) of Richmond, MA; and her grandson, NoahLani.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 4, 2026, at Temple Beth Sholom, 4200 Munson, Topeka, KS 66604. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka, KS. To view the service live:  Click Here

Contributions may be sent to the Capper Foundation, the Topeka Public Library or Temple Beth Sholom (please write, “in memory of Carolyn Litwin” in memo).

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