Carolyn June Dylak

Carolyn June Dylak, 86, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024. Carolyn was born in Waukegan, IL on July 31, 1938, daughter of Cedrick and Glendora (Gould) Hanson.

She earned her bachelor’s degree as a ‘comprehensive major’ at Illinois State Normal University in 1960, and worked as a junior high school teacher for McHenry Junior High School, McHenry, Illinois for several years.

She was passionate about the water and water safety and spent many college summers as a camp counselor, lifeguard and swim instructor. In 1958, she was named a designated representative of the ‘American Red Cross in affiliation with the Canadian Red Cross and Royal Life Saving Society of Great Britain’ and worked at summer camps in British Columbia and Alberta Canada. 

Carolyn married Robert Dylak on August 26th, 1961 and they had three children; David, Sandra and Andrew. Carolyn and Robert were devout Catholics and members of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rockford, IL where they resided and raised their family. 

After teaching for several years, she obtained a master’s degree and became a certified social worker. She worked as a social worker for the Catholic Charities of Rockford, IL where she provided counseling and support to children and families who were going through challenging and difficult times. She left the Catholic Charities to become the Safety Services Director for the Rock River Chapter of the American Red Cross, so that she could devote more of herself to her own children and family. During her tenure with the Red Cross, she received numerous recognitions for her tireless work to improve water safety and reduce drownings.

In 1983, Carolyn and Robert moved to Maplewood, New Jersey and Carolyn was hired as the Executive Director of the YWCA of Essex and West Hudson. Under Carolyn’s leadership the YWCA experienced tremendous success and growth. She was dedicated to providing opportunities for girls and young women from underprivileged homes that they could not otherwise experience. One of her greatest achievements was creating a daycare center for young single mothers which was paid for entirely through grants and donations. This allowed countless mothers to finish high school and pursue other advanced education and training they would not otherwise have been able to achieve. 

Carolyn dedicated much of her life to serving others and while in Maplewood she became a certified Emergency Medical Technician and her and Robert served on Maplewood’s volunteer rescue squad for many years.

In 2003, after Robert passed away, Carolyn retired from the YWCA and moved back to the Rockford area (Roscoe, IL) to be with her children and other close family members. Most importantly, the move allowed Carolyn to spend precious time with her four grandchildren, whom she cherished beyond all. She was a devoted and loving grandmother.

She was a passionate dog lover and fell in love with the New Foundland breed, raising three over her lifetime and taking them through all sorts of advanced obedience trainings and competitions. Her last one, Sir Lancelot, was a certified therapy dog and Carolyn enjoyed taking her 150lb gentle giant to visit those whose spirits needed lifting.

Carolyn married Tony Potocnik in 2010 and they took many spectacular vacations all over the world. In 2021, Mr. Potocnik left her and they were divorced the following year. 

Carolyn was a devoted Catholic and she was an active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Beloit, WI for 20 years.

Those left to honor Carolyn’s memory include her children: David Dylak, Sandra Dylak, Andrew (Karen) Dylak, grandchildren: Colton (Kelsey) Friemuth, Bo (Hannah) Dylak, Addison Dylak, Parker Dylak, and Cassidy Dylak, siblings: Brian (Linda) Hanson, Geoffrey (Cathy) Hanson and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, Cedrick and Glendora Hanson, and her husband Robert Dylak. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carolyn’s name to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Assumption, Beloit, WI. on Saturday, December 7th with visitation from 11:30am – 12:50pm and a Mass following at 1pm. Cremation rites will be accorded following services.

Share memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com