Carolyn Elaine Contrada

Carolyn Elaine Contrada, 75, of Kennesaw, Georgia, entered heaven on June 16, 2025.

She was born on February 25, 1950, in Atlanta, Georgia, and was the daughter of the late WC and Julia Brooks. Carolyn was also preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Kris Hembree, and her brother, Earl Brooks.

She is survived by her husband, Anthony Contrada, and her children: Joel Hembree, Tina Ruediger, and Brian Hembree. Carolyn was the proud Nan of Kara Worley, Kaylen Hembree, Troy Ruediger, Christopher Ruediger, Avery Lucas, and Noah Lucas; and Great-Nan to Blake Lee Ruediger, Ava Marie Ruediger, and a soon-to-arrive great-grandchild, Parker Worley. She is also survived by her siblings Linda Rowan, Sandra Dockery, Marion Cabe, Larry Brooks, and Terri Smith, with whom she shared a deep and lasting bond.

A graduate of Norcross High School, Carolyn went on to become a licensed practical nurse and served countless families through her years of work in pediatrics. She also volunteered at the Chattahoochee Nature Center's Owl & Raptor Aviary, which combined her love for wildlife and her nurturing spirit.

If you knew Carolyn, you knew she loved owls and the color purple; nearly everything in her home reflected both. But more than anything, she loved Jesus and her family. Her heart was big, her faith was steady, and she poured herself into loving her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings with unwavering devotion.

A celebration of Carolyn's life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Restoration Church, located at 1250 Tom Miller Road, Bethlehem, GA 30620. A reception will immediately follow in the same location. To honor our mom, guests are invited to wear something purple-her favorite color and a reflection of the joy she brought to every space she entered.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Chattahoochee Nature Center - Owl & Raptor Aviary, an organization close to her heart.

Messages of love and remembrance may be shared on the family's Facebook page: "Beyond Stage Four - Carolyn's Courageous Journey."

Carolyn's life was a living testimony of Psalm 91-a promise she believed, lived, and held close to her heart.