Carolyn Sue Kier

Carolyn Sue Kier, age 83, passed away on August 2, 2024, surrounded by the friends and family whom she loved very much. Carolyn was born in Lockport, NY, to Frank and Gladys Lum. She was very social, enjoyed people, culture, and many other things in life that enriched her on a daily basis. Carolyn achieved great success by helping others personally and professionally throughout her life. Her faith in God was a guiding force, providing her with strength and purpose in life. 

She loved her family and did everything possible as a mother to provide a great childhood for her two sons. She was a dedicated wife, a loving sister, a fun aunt, and a strong and heartfelt friend to others she knew. She is survived by her sons, Jeff L’Amoreaux (Barbara) and Greg L'Amoreaux (Kathryn); her brothers, David (Miriam) and Doug (Kathy); as well as her grandchildren, Alec, Julia, and Sarah. She loved them all unconditionally and with all of her heart.

Carolyn had a 20-year marriage to her first husband, Jack L’Amoreaux (divorced), with whom she had Jeff and Greg. She later spent 33 very good years married to Porter Kier and jokingly subscribed to the theory of "Marry well and marry often." She loved and learned from them both.

Carolyn was a graduate of Alfred University in New York State. Upon graduation, she traveled to Washington state to join Jack, who was in the U.S. Army Tank Division. She was a Secondary English and Journalism Teacher in Lacey, Washington, until they decided to move back east a few years later, where she taught at Horseheads High School. She loved language and had a way of using it well to build relationships throughout her life, both professionally and personally. She liked to write and to educate others, both in and outside of the classroom, in a way that left a positive impression most every time. Eventually, she and the family migrated from southern New York to Pennsylvania, where she contributed as the Director of a volunteer adult literacy program, teaching others to help people read and embrace learning English. Her faith in God guided her work, inspiring her to serve others with humility and grace. Eventually, her career of serving others led her to work many years at the United Way of York County, PA, as Campaign Coordinator and ultimately Campaign Director, where her efforts were responsible for breaking long-standing campaign records in the late 1980s. Her local success led to promotions within the organization in Connecticut and ultimately to the United Way of America in Alexandria, VA, the company’s headquarters.

Upon retirement, she and her second husband, Porter, enjoyed many years in the Washington D.C. area, absorbing much of what the region had to offer: sailing, theater, symphonies, and traveling throughout the world, from Patagonia, Europe, Morocco, California, and Florida, with a special emphasis on the American Southwest. Together, they had a particular affection for Sedona, AZ, where they always seemed to gravitate by default when all else failed or their mandatory timeshare points dictated. She loved it there. The climate, scenery, and local artisans provided a powerful magnetism she couldn’t resist.

Many good years in D.C. came to a close in the early 2000s as she and Porter moved to Southern Maryland to enjoy the spoils only an organized golf community could provide. The country and waterways of Charles County, MD, provided a network of friends for many years and gave her an opportunity to once again help the less fortunate with educational needs, as she served in many capacities, including tenure on the Board of the Charles County Department of Social Services. They moved to the Atlanta area in 2017, and she lived her final years at Sterling Estates of West Cobb, surrounded by those who loved her and appreciated her for who she was: a lively spirit, an educator, an excellent cook, a giving hostess, a loyal friend, and a bridge table aficionado. She won at bridge a lot, and if she made enemies, she temporarily made them there, only to turn it around by giving some strategic and helpful tips to those in need.

The Sterling community embraced her, and vice versa. Her Sterling family was very important to her happiness, and she appreciated each of you for your willingness and dedication to helping her in ways similar to how she treated others in her life: through caring, listening, and sharing. Her faith remained a source of strength and peace in her final years. She was a treasure and a joy who will be missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta. The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 31st from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm prior to the service at the funeral home. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.yorkliteracyinstitute.org or to www.charlescountydss.com