Carolyn was born in Miami, Florida in March of 1943 to William and Jean Van Atta while her father was stationed there during World War II. She was raised in Binghamton, New York where she created many lifelong friendships. Carolyn found great success in academics, graduating from Binghamton Central High School and then attending the University of Pennsylvania. After college Carolyn moved to New York City where she worked for Time Life magazine and on Robert F. Kennedy's 1968 Presidential campaign. There she made and kept lifelong friends.

While attending her brother Nelson's wedding in Binghamton, she met the best man, Peter Pappas. They fell in love and soon after, married and were blessed with five children. Carloyn dedicated her life to her family and to the Holy Catholic church.

Carolyn gave so much to her family by always being there, at home, worrying and waiting; providing a sense of security; a sense that the world has order, and will continue tomorrow as it is today. She was a beautiful woman always watching and praising, supporting, loving and beaming.

Carolyn's great intellect, curiosity and faith, inspired her to read countless books and articles and to coordinate the Perpetual adoration program at St. Patrick's Church once upon a time. She would also tie up the phone line at home having long conversations about the faith and her family with her close friend(s). She prayed the rosary daily and traveled to the holy shrines in the Pyrenees mountains of Lourdes, France, and the Cantabrian mountains of Garabandal Spain.

Her family would especially like to thank the directors, nurses, aides and staff at Elizabeth Church Manor, for their selfless and compassionate care given to our Mother in her great time of need. Their work is truly the Lord's work. Her care givers became her friends, and those friendships have been taken with her to heaven.

Carolyn is predeceased by her husband Peter Pappas, daughter Virginia Pappas, and her parents William and Jean Van Atta. Carolyn is survived by her children Kathleen (Josh) Doherty of Binghamton, NY, Peter W. Pappas of Binghamton, NY, Christine (Patrick) Irving of New York City and Michael (Beth) Pappas of New York City; and grandchildren Jack, Grace, Caroline Doherty and Rachel Labrecque as well as her brother Nelson Van Atta and nieces Julie Van Atta, Laurie Newman, Shelly Van Atta.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Carolyn's memory to Mothers and Babies Parinatal Network, 345 Grand Avenue, Johnson City, NY 13790 or at www.mothersandbabies.org

A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Patrick's Church, corner of Oak and Leroy Streets, Binghamton, Thursday March 12, 2026 at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at St. Patrick's Church, Thursday from 9:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. The Mass will be live streamed at www.sta-sp.org