SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – Carolyn was born July 26, 1927 in Scottsbluff, Neb., the daughter of Jacob and Christine Schreiner-Sinner, and grew up on the family farm at Mitchell, Neb. In 1945, she graduated from Potter, Neb., attended summer school at Northern Colorado State College at Greeley, Colo., and taught in rural Nebraska schools. In 1963, she graduated from Goshen County Community College in Torrington and returned to rural education.
In 1946, she married Fred Mai Jr. at Mitchell, Neb. In 1950, the couple moved to a farm south of Torrington. They lived in Torrington and the surrounding area until Fred passed away in 2007. In 2008, Carolyn moved to Broken Arrow, Okla., where she lived independently for 13 years until the last month of her life.
Carolyn loved music and played the keyboard, piano, guitar and accordion. She was a master machine knitter and produced an abundance of beautiful sweaters, afghans and other pieces. She will be endearingly remembered for her wonderful, infectious laugh and for the amazing holiday meals she prepared for her family and guests. She was a past member of the Torrington American Legion Auxiliary and Our Savior Lutheran Church.
She is survived by her three sons, K. Fred Mai (Linda) of Gering, Neb., M. Daniel Mai (Norma) of Parker, Colo., and Christan P. Mai (Linda) of Broken Arrow, Okla. She is survived by twelve grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sisters Elizabeth, Alma and Vicki, and her brother Walter.
Cremation has taken place and there will be graveside services and burial at a later date at Valley View Cemetery in Torrington.
