In Loving Memory of Carolyn Jean Lacey
Carolyn Jean Lacey beloved wife, mother, grandmother, graduate of the University of Oregon School of nursing, and unwavering woman of faith passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025 in Helena, Montana at the age of 83. Born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon on March 5, 1942, Carolyn was the cherished daughter of Alma and Paul Mills.
On June 26, 1965 Carolyn married her love, Conley Gerard Lacey MD at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Portland Oregon. Together they built a life rooted in faith, love and enduring commitment. Carolyn was a devoted mother to her loving daughters Erin McGree, Meghan Dayka and adopted son Daniel who carry forward her legacy of compassion, strength, and grace.
Though Carolyn’s life was marked by enormous physical challenges including life threatening illnesses and a near fatal battle with necrotizing gangrene, she faced each day with faith, courage, dignity and remarkable resilience. Her career was abruptly interrupted by the early onset of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis which eventually destroyed her mobility, but never did she allow her illnesses to dominate her faith or her spirit. Undeterred, she devoted her remaining energy to her family and to philanthropic organizations to become a force for good in her communities. In San Diego she became the chairperson of the Scripps Clinic women’s society and had a pivotal role in awarding hundreds of summer externships to aspiring high school students in the biological sciences and Medicine-insuring that the next generation would carry on the torch of healing and hope.
Her daily prayers and the enduring love of her family and friends guided her through the storms of life and inspired everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her steadfast faith, determination, and suffering were truly “a profile in courage”.
Carolyn is survived by her loving husband of nearly sixty years, Conley Lacey, her daughters and son’s in law Erin and Jim McGree, Meghan and Tim Dayka, adopted son Daniel Gerard, and her cherished grandchildren Connor, Lacey, Nathan and Thomas McGree, Alexandra and Kayleigh Dayka, friends, relatives and admirers too numerous to count. May she Rest in Peace in the communal crypt at Fort Harrison National Cemetery to await the arrival of her devoted husband Conley.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W Riggs, East Helena at 12:00 Noon on June 25. Reception to follow in the parish hall.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
Noon
Wednesday June 25, 2025
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, MT
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Beryl Early says
I met Carolyn in 1976 when my husband and I moved to La Jolla. She became a sweet, good friend and no matter her physical
difficulties, always kept her sense of humor.
Ames and I are so sorry for your loss and are thinking of Con and her family.
Kitty D Kingma says
I am so sorry for your loss. I will remain in SD and be thinking of all of your family daily as you all try to adjust to this loss.
Joseph Conrad Clifford says
I knew Carolyn since her wedding to my good friend Conley, and was privileged to maintain a lasting friendship to both of them . Her courage through a life of pain and disability was outstanding. Moreover, she never let her illness rob her of her good humour and capacity to be a good friend, wife and mother
Jerome Loendorf says
Conley, No one could describe the wonderful person Carolyn was better than you. Each time I read the beautiful obituary you penned I more fully appreciate your loss. Condolences my friend. Jerry
Victoria Williamson says
My husband ,Ian, met Con around 1970 at Fort Meade, where they both served as U.S. Army physicians. I didn’t meet Con and Carolyn until after Ian and I married in 1982. I’ll never forget my first visit with them in La Jolla. Erin, Meghan and Danny were very young and precious. They lived in a gorgeous house balanced on the side of a California mountain, and had a wonderful Springer Spaniel, whose name escapes me. This little kingdom was ruled by a beautiful princes named Carolyn.. It seemed like a dream land to me. We all shared many common interests, and I know we would have been very close if the miles hadn’t kept us apart. Regardless, Ian and I visited the Laceys as often as we could both in California and Montana. Con would come to Toledo whenever his lecturing brought him this way. I was privileged to attend both Erin and Meghan’s weddings, and Con helped carry Ian to his final resting place in 1997. Con and Carolyn called me around Christmas time this past year. I will always treasure that. I’m so sorry for you, Con and your family. Carolyn was a grand and beautiful lady.
Joe LOENDORF says
Conley, Carolyn was a wonderful remarkable person. You were blessed to have shared sixty years together. Take care and God Bless.
Clark and Elaine Lindberg says
We express our condolences to Con and his family over the passing of Carolyn. She was a true companion and friend for Con and loving mother for her family for so many years. She was a truly remarkable woman as a medical professional, wife, mother and friend. We will all miss her and she remains in our prayers.
We were fortunate to visit Carolyn and Con last fall and spend a few days with them. Despite her difficulties, she remained cheerful and warm and showed her friendly wit as she had done for so many years. We recounted the times we spent together in California and Montana and on other travels together. She was always so enjoyable to be with.
Con was always so caring in making her comfortable helping her in so many ways. She will be so missed but remembered.
Geri Grimes says
We met Carolyn and Con when Tim and Meghan, Kayleigh and Alex became our neighbors. Carolyn was a good friend and with Con and Don and me we had many good times . Carolyn was a very positive person always showing the bright side and humor. Carolyn always a lady with interest in life and was always aware of her family that she loved and kept up with all their activities and interests. Her faith, courage, and dignity was remarkable. We will miss her phone calls. God has called her home on this earth, God said job well done .
Blessings to the family
Don and Geri Grimesgerigrimes35@ nn
Geri Grimes says
Beautiful Carolyn was such a positive lady. Don and I met Con and Carolyn when Tim and Meghan and girls became our neighbors. We had such a nice relationship with them. Carolyn was always looking on the bright side of life. She loved her family and was interested and Up to date on what all of her grand children were doing. We enjoyed many outings together going to the girls performances and activities. Carolyn was so interested in life even though she was limited physically. She always was so cheerful and fun to be around. We will miss the phone calls,
Blessings to Con and Meghan and Erin and the grandchildren
Don and Geri Grimes