Carolyn Mary Aitchison, 59, of Albert Lea, died Feb. 15, 2011, at her home surrounded by her loving family after a 20-year battle with breast cancer.

Carolyn was born March 27, 1951, in LaCrosse, Wis., to Elmer and Gladys (Meyer) Heitman. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s UCC Wheatland in New Albin, Iowa. She was active in church youth group and was church organist through her high school years. She grew up on a dairy farm in Allamakee County in rural New Albin, Iowa. She lived in Bensenville, Ill, for 10 years after graduation prior to moving to Minnesota. She worked most recently for the Albert Lea School District in the food service for 17 years. She also worked at First Presbyterian Church of Albert Lea part time in custodial, Shopko and Hy-Vee in Albert Lea, Kwik Trip in Caledonia, as a cook, and at Bensenville Bank, Bensenville, Ill., as a teller.

Carolyn has been a member of First Presbyterian Church for years where she has been active in the choir, Bible School and Kids Zone. She also was a visiting deacon and a member of the Lydia Circle. She was active in the Cursio Weekends, which she enjoyed so much.

She is survived by mother, Gladys Heitman, of New Albin, Iowa; daughter, Jennifer (Larry) Michaud, of Clarks Grove; grandchildren: Jenna Donahue, Melyssa Donahue, Christian Donahue, Jazmin Michaud and Junior Michaud, III, all of Clarks Grove; brothers, Alan (Lori) Heitman, of New Aldin, Iowa, Jack (Tammy) Heitman, Peoria, Ill, and David (Janette) Heitman, of Lansing, Iowa; sisters: Darlene (David) Eggum and Lori (Todd) Blanchard, both of LaCrosse, Wis.; two special aunts: Gladys Tegtmeier and Delores Brumn; 16 nieces and nephews, whom she had a special place in her heart for; many cousins and friends, whose lives were richly blessed by Carolyn.

She was preceded in death by father, Elmer Heitman; two aunts: Irma Johnson and Lillian Wuennecke; four uncles: Walter Tegtmeier, Donald Brumn, John Johnson and Roy Wuenneke; and cousin, Robert Brumn.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea. Visitation will be one hour before the service. The Rev. Dwight Netzer will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church kitchen remodeling project or Hospice Care program.