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Carolyn Elsa Cuddigan (Burnett), 83, passed away in St. Paul on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.

Carolyn was born in Mankato on Sept. 11, 1936, grew up in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1954. She went on to get a degree in education and music from the College of St. Theresa in Winona. Carolyn taught first grade in Austin and Minneapolis Public Schools. She married William Cuddigan in 1964.

Carolyn and Bill began their life together by driving to Quebec and working as teachers. Over the years they lived in the Milwaukee area, Prior Lake, Lonsdale, Faribault and Burnsville. Carolyn worked as an independent insurance agent for many years and then as a founder and hard-working contributor to the family business, Cuddigan Custom Builders. Carolyn enjoyed cooking, fixing things, singing, feeding and identifying local birds, time on the lake and using her iPhone to stay connected with her children, grandchildren, extended family and her many devoted friends. She loved to spot eagles in the sky, bittersweet in roadside thickets, and new recipes in magazines and cookbooks. More than anything, she loved and valued her family, and especially adored her eight beautiful grandchildren.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Elsa Burnett, and many wonderful sisters- and brothers-in-law.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Bill; her children David (Kristin), Chris (Steve) and Julie (Carl); and her beloved grandchildren Jacob, Nicholas and Jenna Cuddigan, Maria and Adam Nelson, and Kayla, Isabella and Henry Wengelewski. She is also survived by all of her siblings: Richard, Paul and Philip Burnett, and Ann DeMuse. They grieve the loss of their little sister who is gone too soon.

In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for a friend, neighbor or family business who needs support during these challenging days. A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Carolyn at a later date in order to allow family and friends to gather and celebrate her life. Carolyn’s ashes will be laid to final rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona.