Carolyn Joyce Semko Criswell

Aug. 28, 1938 – Jan. 18, 2017

Carolyn Joyce Criswell was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on August 28, 1938 to John Semko, a steelworker, and Sarah Rudniski (AKA Sara Rodney), a homemaker. Carolyn and her parents moved to Sun Valley, CA, when she was twelve years old. In 1957, she married Robert Burton Criswell. They had two children, Kimberly Ann Criswell and Douglas Robert Criswell. In 1972, Carolyn married a second time, to Waldo Oscar Brain. They had one son, Gregory Jonathan Brain. As a single mother in Reseda, CA, Carolyn began working as an office manager for an optometrist. She later became a certified medical assistant, and finally a licensed dispensing optician. A creative and talented woman, she loved travel, art, literature, home decorating, and musical theater. After retirement, Carolyn returned to the Youngstown area, first living at Villa Maria in PA, and then moving to Boardman, OH, near her beloved childhood home. Until her illness, she was active with the Golden Heirs at Old North Church in Canfield, OH. She had many dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her older brother John Semko, her older sister Dolores Hall, and her son, Douglas Robert Criswell. Carolyn is survived by her daughter Kimberly Ann Criswell, her son Gregory Jonathan Brain, and her grandchildren, Kenneth Criswell and Allison Criswell. Memorial contributions may be made in Carolyn's name to the Salvation Army.