Carolyn Ann Washburn

Carolyn Ann Washburn, 78, passed away May 2, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer. Carolyn, a resident of Gloversville, NY was born in Johnstown, NY to the late William and Irma Ralbovsky on March 4,1947.  She graduated from Johnstown High School in 1965 before attending the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).  She is predeceased by her son, Scott (1969), her husband, Ronald Couture (1995), her husband, William Washburn (2012) and her brother, William Ralbovsky (2008).

Carolyn spent her work life as a Credit Manager, working at Grandoe Gloves, SCM Walton Printing and Keymark, Kasson & Keller.  She did this while also balancing the proprietorship of two successful businesses, The Card Castle in Anaheim, CA and later Juniorama, Inc. in Johnstown, NY. This mixture of work gave her the opportunity to use her analytical and creative sides, something she also showcased with her community work and hobbies. She held various positions in many community organizations, including President at each of Soroptimist of Fulton County, The Eccentric Club, and the Sew Busy Quilt Guild.  These organizations spoke to her personally and professionally, while also building innumerable friendships.

Carolyn’s first love was surrounding herself with family and friends, especially her children and grandchildren.  She was routinely planning gatherings and games that brought people together.  She was widely known for her ability to tell a joke, both appropriate and, to the right crowd, inappropriate.  Always getting a laugh!  She loved to cook, (dubbing her kitchen “Mom’s Diner”) and particularly loved doing it with ingredients from her vast gardens, where she could also name every flower and bird.  When not outside or planning a party, she could be found in her sewing room designing beautiful items from quilts to doll clothes for her granddaughters, a love that she got from her mother and inspired her time at FIT.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter Michelle (Tod) of Manlius, NY, her son Duane (TJ) of Ithaca, NY, her stepdaughter Melissa (Adam) of Valparaiso, IN, her stepson Michael (Caitlin) of Scottsdale, AZ, and her partner-in-crime, Elmer Washburn of Gloversville, NY.  She is also survived by her brother James Ralbovsky (Cheryl) of Long Beach, CA, beloved grandchildren (William, Lauren, Lilith, Liam and Olivia) and several dear cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 5PM at the Eccentric Club, 109 N. Main St., Gloversville, NY.  Memories and prayers will be shared at 6PM.  Food and drink will be served throughout.  Please join us for some or all of the party she wanted us to have in her honor. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the Soroptimist International of Fulton & Montgomery Counties Scholarship Fund.  Please send donations to PO Box 168 Gloversville, NY 12078. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization dedicated to empowering women through education and economic opportunity.