Independence, Iowa - Carolyn Marie McGlaughlin, 59, of Independence, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Carolyn was born on June 21, 1966, in LaFayette, Indiana, the daughter of James R. and Marie N. (Gilbertson) Buck. She spent her early childhood in Indiana before moving with her family to Iowa City, Iowa, in 1981. Carolyn graduated from Iowa City West High School in 1984 and later graduated with a two-year Liberal Arts (AA) degree in childhood development at Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa. As a young teenager, Carolyn was a great babysitter to many families in her neighborhood with many stories to be told.

Carolyn began her career at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where she worked for 18 years. While working as a Unit Clerk she met the love of her life, Dennis McGlaughlin. The two were united in marriage on May 6, 2000, at St. John's Catholic Church in Independence, Iowa. Having given birth to her only son Hamish in 2001 was notably the best experience of her life.

In 2007, Carolyn and her family moved to Decorah, Iowa, to be closer to loved ones and to build a new life in a small town. She loved the town for its Norwegian Heritage and beautiful rolling hills. During her time there, she generously gave of herself through volunteer work at the Winneshiek Medical Center gift shop, delivering Meals on Wheels, and working for several years at Seed Savers Exchange. Carolyn was deeply involved in her Catholic faith and was an active member of Catholic Daughters, provided Eucharistic ministry to the homebound, and enjoyed leading the Rosary prior to Mass. She became very active with the VFW Auxiliary in Decorah, making new friends wherever she was involved. Carolyn also was very active in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts while her son attended.

In 2015, the family moved to Independence, Iowa, where Carolyn continued to devote herself to her family. A devoted stay-at-home mother and wife, Carolyn was a loving and supportive presence in her son Hamish's life. Faithfully, she drove Hamish to Don Bosco until he was able to drive himself, and was always there when he needed her. As a sister, Carolyn was known for always putting others first—taking care of everyone before herself. She will be

remembered as an amazing sister, a wonderful mother, and one of the kindest people anyone could ever meet.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Dennis McGlaughlin, and their son, Hamish McGlaughlin, both of Independence, Iowa; her brother, John (Katy) Buck of Decorah, Iowa; sisters-in-laws Deb (Keith) Milbach of Rowley, Iowa, and Theresa (Scott) Cates of Tiger, Georgia; brother-in-law Wayne (DeeAnn) McGlaughlin of Monona, Iowa; Bill Evanson of Solon, Iowa (partner of James Buck II), and her many cherished nieces and nephews: Tyler (Alicia Coonrod) Buck, Chelsey (Christopher) Hovden, Gianni Buck, Luis Buck, Holly (Henry) Stauffenberg, Paige (Nick) Erickson, Matt Milbach, Brittany (Abe) Keener, Christopher (Gabby) Cates, Taylor (Shayna) Cates, Hunter Cates, Tresa (Justin) Hargrave, Brady (Lizzy) Klein, Marcy (Colby) Ferguson, Nathan McGlaughlin, and Hope McGlaughlin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Marie Buck, and her brother, James Buck II, mother and father-in-law, Wayne and Sharon McGlaughlin, and her sister-in-law Joan (Wayne) Wiley-McGlaughlin.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 4:40 p.m. and a Parish Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., at the Reiff Family Center - Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, Iowa.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Reiff Family Center - Funeral Home in Independence. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery in Independence, Iowa.

To leave an online condolence please go to www.reifffamilycenter.com under obituaries.