Caralyn Hotchkin Welsh

Caralyn Hotchkin Welsh died on March 28, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. at the age of 99 years old.

She leaves behind to mourn her loss, her sons, Dr. John Steven Welsh (Carole) of New Orleans, Clifford L. Welsh (Donna) of Myrtle Beach, Donald Welsh (Linda) of Williamsburg, Virginia, and Dr. Jeff Welsh (Robin) of Columbia.; her grandchildren, Caroline, Andrew, Leslie, Philip, Madeline, and John; her great-grandchildren, Nova, Bonnie, and Brooks; and her sister, Sylvia McGuire.

She was predeceased by her parents Leon and Lenora Hotchkin of Niagara County, N.Y., her beloved husband John (“Jack”) Alexander Welsh, and her sisters Doris Saunders and Nancy Lyons.

Caralyn was born in 1924 in Lockport, New York.  The oldest of four daughters, they lived on a beautiful farm and she was close to her parents and sisters all their lives.  Caralyn was the first in her family to go to college.  She graduated from the State Teachers College at Buffalo (now SUNY-Buffalo).  Soon after graduation, she married a handsome local man just out of the military, Jack Welsh.  She later earned a Master's degree in Special Education.

Caralyn and Jack lived on a farm in Newfane, N.Y. where their first three sons were born. Jack went to work for Cryovac, a division of W.R. Grace, and his work would take them to several new homes. They lived in Denville, NJ, Acton, MA, and then, in 1962, they moved to Spartanburg, SC where their fourth son was born.  

Caralyn was very active and known for rarely sitting down.  She enjoyed travel and visited many states and countries.  She enjoyed gardening and many craft projects including refinishing furniture and caning chairs.  She was a voracious reader and instilled a love of reading and learning in her four sons: a college professor, a lawyer, a college administrator, and a doctor.

Caralyn taught school in all the places they lived.  She was an active volunteer with several groups including the American Association of University Women, Guardian Ad Litem, and the Spartanburg Public Library.  Caralyn and Jack were long-standing and active members of Trinity United Methodist Church.

The burial will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 626 Norwood Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302.

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