Obituary

Carolyn Parnell 76, of Minneapolis, MN, passed away peacefully at home on July 25, 2024, after being surrounded by joy, laughter, flowers, and a large extended family - related by blood and by choice. Her endless compassion, remarkable love, vast resilience, fearless determination, and commitment to the empowerment of others will be remembered by all. Preceded in death by her parents, Aldrich and Charlotte Storry, siblings Karen and Kenneth, daughter Angelina, and her heart-dog Sage. She is survived by her children, Julia (Martin), Stefan (Kelly), and Clara (Aiden); her siblings, Paul, Jack, Rebecca, Mark, and Aharon; many extended family, dear friends, and her devoted dog Charlie. Carolyn's life journey was a spiritual one. She was endlessly inquisitive and rooted herself in principles that encouraged love, forgiveness, and the importance of being open-hearted. Professionally she was innovative and dedicated, excelling in her work first as a child protection worker, then ultimately leading IT efforts at the UofM, MPR, and MNSCU. She retired in 2014 from her position as the first appointed IT Commissioner and CIO for the State of MN. Throughout her career, she stayed close to her love of social work by volunteering for crisis intervention organizations. Above all, she was a steadfast single mom and would be the first to tell you that the most consistent source of joy and pride in her life was her children. All who loved and admired Carolyn can honor her memory by noticing a swaying clothesline or a striking shade of blue, or by giving generously to an organization closest to their heart. We know she looks forward to seeing her loved ones again on the other side.