Carolyn M. Casaus

Carolyn Martha Casaus was born and raised in Seligman Arizona on January 19th, 1933, to Juan and Celestina Rincon. Carolyn died at the age of 91 of natural causes in Phoenix Arizona on February 5th,2024 surrounded by family; Joseph Casaus, Lawrence, (Lorenia) Casaus, Joanne and (Perry) Curley.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe T. Casaus. her parents, Juan and Celestina (Rameriz) Rincon, and her siblings; Toni (Rincon) Larimore, Manuel Rincon, Albert Rincon, John “Judge” Rincon, Paula (Rincon) Yslas, Mozelle (Rincon) Lopez, Josie (Rincon) Lopez and Mary (Rincon) Delgadillo. As the youngest of the Rincon siblings, Carolyn is the last to pass from this generation, leaving behind a legacy that will endure through the many Rincons’ that follow.

She is survived by her seven children, and step-daughter: Kathleen(Duane) Westfall, Joanne (Perry) Curley, Donald (Diana) Casaus, Pree (James Groos) Casaus, Joseph Casaus, James (Ami) Casaus, Lawrence (Lorenia) Casaus and Eugene (Colleen) Casaus; thirteen grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Angellina (Fred) Barbora, Barbara Ebling, Duane (Melody) Ortiz, Angela (Robert) Suhay, Tina-Marie Casaus, Sean (Katie) Casaus, Michelle (Kurt) Holmes, Regina (Brando) Hernandez-Curley, Brytnee (Zack) Huff , Eric Casaus, James ll Casaus, Tristian Casaus, Jimena (Gilberto) Castillo-Casaus, Ava Casaus, and Gabrielle Casaus. And twelve great grandchildren; Naythan Holmes, Breesa Holmes, Harlow Casaus, Taven Casaus, Izaiah Hernandez-Curley, Drake Casaus, Cash Holmes, Ghage Casaus, Chloe Huff, Jia Hernandez-Curley, Jerimiah Hernandez-Curley and Valentin Casaus.

Carolyn also has several step-grandchildren and great children who have been part of the family.

Allen Igoe, Ecotra Ortiz, Jai Ortiz, Austin Carver, Angel Hernandez, Gabriel Hernandez and Kai Bryant.

Carolyn attended and graduated from Seligman Schools. Carolyn enjoyed participating in sports as well being an avid Seligman Antelope cheerleader.

On June 25, 1952, Carolyn married Joe Casaus. This was marking Joe’s second marriage after the loss of his first wife to Tuberculosis. Together, they started a large family consisting of two daughters, and five sons, along with Kathleen (Westfall) Casaus.

Carolyn thrived in the company of her siblings and friends, often indulging in a drink or two or three during gatherings. A devout Catholic, she faithfully attended mass, and actively participated in various church activities. Her weekly routine included pampering herself with a hair appointment, often alongside her sister Josie, who was known as the designated driver for their group, fondly dubbed the “Daisies.” Josie was the only one “allegedly” with a driver’s license to drive the Daisies (Carolyn, sisters Mozelle and Mary) around Seligman. The Rincon ladies, were the life of any party, who enjoyed dancing together and on occasions dancing with their spouses, often the first one on the dance floor.

Together, the Rincon sisters formed a formidable unit, both in their youth and as they aged they were a force to be reckoned with. The Rincon women known for their strength and influence, had a knack for keeping a tight leash around their men, and when they said jump, they’d ask how high.

Carolyn had many friends throughout her life, lots of her friends’ past through the years. Her closest sibling, and drinking buddy, and confidant was Josie Lopez. Josie’s passing many years ago was very hard for Carolyn, however, she persevered through this difficult time.

Carolyn’s greatest joy was nurturing her children, as well as her nieces and grandchildren who resided in Seligman. She poured her love into her cooking and attending her children’s school events. Carolyn and Joe were enthusiastic supporters of Seligman High School, faithfully traveling to their children’s sporting events and continuing their support even after their children graduated high school and college. They particularly enjoyed attending their daughter Joanne and son-in-law Perry’s high school basketball games.

Carolyn was also known for her “killer” fried chicken on Sundays and her knack for baking her children’s favorite pies on their birthdays. During her pregnancies, she delighted in preparing a variety of treats, from homemade donuts, Natilla’s to Mexican bread. Carolyn’s specialties in Mexican cuisine, such as chicken and pork and red chili & cheese enchiladas, tamales, and tortillas, was also well-known and loved by her family. She was farm to table before it became a thing.

Carolyn was a full-time mother, she also juggled work commitments, spending summers at the Snow Cap and later cleaning at the Seligman Courthouse (enjoying the assistance from her sister Mozelle, and on occasion her daughters; Joanne and Pree). She enjoyed the lively banter with her nieces and nephews during her time at the Snow Cap, where she even claimed to keep Juan’s moods in check.

Despite the challenges of distance, Carolyn and Joe cherished their many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Carolyn always looked forward to their visits, often commenting on their appearance on how cute they looked, albeit with a few rules in mind-don’t wear holey pants and don’t show too much skin.

Grandma Carolyn’s cherished companion, Sophie (Casaus) Groos, held a special place in her heart above all others. Carolyn had known Sophie since she was just a young pup, and their bond was unbreakable. Whenever Sophie visited Grandma in Phoenix, Sophie would faithfully sleep in her room, offering comfort and companionship. Grandma Carolyn had a soft spot for Sophie and often indulged her with cereal and treats when no one was watching. Additionally, Carolyn delighted in watching the neighborhood cats that frequented the front dining room window or patio doors, always eager to offer them food and compassion, expressing empathy with a sympathetic “pobrecitos” (poor things). Unfortunately, the landlord of her Phoenix residence didn’t share her sentiment, albeit her son Joseph Casaus.

Through her later years in life Carolyn moved to Phoenix Arizona, to live with her son Joseph Casaus. They shared a home until her passing, a transition that presented challenges for both. While they occasionally butted heads, and at times may have wanted to hang one another, they managed to find harmony in their arrangement.

Carolyn contributed to household chores, cooking, and cleaning, mostly bossing, and bossing some more. Joseph picked up tips on how to cook her famous chicken and pork red chili, ensuring that all meals were served promptly this would include: two cups of coffee, first breakfast, second breakfast, lunch, and dinner before 5 p.m. a rule Carolyn insisted upon.

Carolyn enjoyed eating her favorite foods: chicken tenders, hamburgers, and fries, and drinking coke zero. Before moving in with Joseph, she was an avid fan of the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks, a passion she shared with her son, who grew to be an even bigger supporter of both teams. During game nights, Carolyn was known to have a few tootsie pop suckers and/or ice cream, adding enjoyment of the games.