Carolyn A. Tatom

Carolyn A. Tatom, affectionately known as Carol, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, at Center for Hospice Care,  at the age of 83. She was born on October 28, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Anthony and Catherine Jayo, both of whom preceded her in death as well as her beloved daughter, Deanne Marie Andrysiak Schulz.

Carol was graduate of the Class of 1960 from Central High School in South Bend, Indiana. She devoted her professional life to helping others as a Social Worker with the Project Head Start program for 28 years, where her compassion, empathy, and dedication made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless children and families.

Earlier in life, Carol embraced travel and adventure, she loved riding motorcycles and dancing, and her contagious laugh was unforgettable to those who knew her. She had a lifelong soft spot for animals, enjoyed shopping for antiques, and was deeply social, finding her greatest joy in family gatherings and time spent with loved ones.

Carol is survived by her loving children, Donna Andrysiak and Dennis “Denny” Andrysiak of South Bend, IN. She dearly loved her grandchildren, Cooper, Theo, and Mikey Schulz of Washington D.C. She is also survived by her brother Bill Jayo and his wife Carolyn (Searfoss) Jayo, of Vacaville, CA, and her three nephews, Vince, Dean, and Nikko, of Vacaville, CA, and a special thank you goes to her great niece Savannah for being a sparkle of light in her life. 

Carol’s warmth, kindness, and vibrant personality will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and extended family members whose lives she touched along the way.

In keeping with her wishes, no formal services will be held at this time and cremation has taken place. Hahn Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements and extends their deepest sympathies to Carol’s family.

Carol and her family would like to extend a special thank you to her doctor, Shamiram Badal M.D., for all her kindness, understanding, and the care she provided.

Those wishing to honor Carol’s memory may make a donation to Meow Mission of South Bend, 2915 E Mishawaka Ave, South Bend, IN 46615, a cause close to her heart, as well as to Ernestine M. Raclin House. 

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