Carolyn Jean Torlay

Carolyn Jean Torlay, 77, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021. She was born June 22, 1943, the daughter of Melvin Bernard and Helen Finnegan Torlay. She was of Catholic faith, graduating from Bishop England High School in 1961. Carolyn was the President of Taylor's Frozen Foods and Cold Storage. She retired after 45 years.

Carolyn loved her Church, family, traveling, the live arts and her rescued beagle Middleton. She was a member of the choir at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for more than 20 years. She performed in Italy twice for the Pope.

Carolyn was a member of the Our Lady of Mercy Sisters of Charity Associates. She participated annually in Spoleto USA as a walk-on, playing mother of Madame Butterfly in Gian Carlo Menotti's opera. Carolyn appeared in two movies filmed in Charleston, one with a speaking role. She performed with the Young Children's Theater, and served on the Board chairing two terms under Julian Wiles. Carolyn volunteered at MUSC and VA hospitals and won the Volunteer of the Year awarded by Governor James Edwards.

Carolyn is survived by her beloved sister Helen (Tex) Smith, and brothers Fraser (Dawn) Torlay, Jack (Carol) Torlay and Melvin (Debra) Torlay, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved. She was predeceased by her sister Margie Torlay Howard.

A private graveside service will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Indigo Hall for their care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charleston, 901 Orange Grove Road, Charleston SC 29407 or Pet Helpers, 1447 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412.