Carolyn G. Begani

OSWEGO – Carolyn G. Begani, 87, wife of Francis A. Begani, 124 Hillside Avenue, Oswego, NY, passed from this earth on June 4th, 2025.

She was born in Oswego, NY, on January 1st, 1938, to the late Jack H. and Victoria Segal Godden.  Carolyn was raised in Oswego, NY, and attended SUNY Oswego for a degree in education.  She married Francis on October 11, 1958, in Oneida, New York.  She moved to Alexandria, Virginia, with her new husband, and they finally settled and raised 8 children in Sherburne, New York.

She is survived by her husband, Francis, eight children, James P. of Kansas City MO, John F. of Naples FL, Theresa M. Burchette of South Pittsburg TN, Paul A. of Auburn NY, Mary K. Jeffrey of Crystal River FL, Philip M. of Tigard OR, Carol A. Menke of Philadelphia PA, and Stephen of Rochester NY.  She has 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  She is survived by two sisters, Christine A. Keenan of Springboro, OH, and Victoria K. Godden of Albany, NY.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Jack H. and Victoria S. Godden, and her two brothers, Jack A. Godden and James Godden.

Carolyn was foremost a loving wife and mother, providing a nurturing home.  She had a love for baking, and there were always cookies or cupcakes for after-school snacks.  She helped with homework and supported her children with all their school activities, attending their concerts and musicals, as well as their sporting events.

Carolyn had a love of music, which she developed during her childhood and nurtured in college.  She gave piano lessons in Sherburne, as well as in Oswego.  She was the organist at St. Stephen’s of Oswego during her college years and was organist and music director at St. Malachy’s in Sherburne.  She was a member of St. Mary’s choir and a cantor.

She was a devout Catholic and an active member of the parishes at which she worshipped.  At St Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church in Sherburne, NY, she served on the Parish Council and volunteered at the Food Pantry.  She was a member and President of the Altar Rosary Society.   She was also the organist and the music director there for many years. Carolyn received the Immaculata Award from the Catholic Diocese of Syracuse for her years of dedication and volunteerism in the church.

She was a part-time teacher at Sherburne Earlville Elementary School.

Visitation will be at Nelson Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, from 3 to 6 PM, preceded by Rosary and prayer service at 2:30 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 50 E Mohawk St, Oswego, NY, on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, at 10 AM.