Obituaries

Carolyn Sue Kilcoyne, lovingly known throughout Niles simply as “Carolyn,” passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, at the age of 71.

Born on August 23, 1954, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to U.A. Hall and Dolores Irene “Dee-Dee” Hess; Carolyn built a life centered around family, friendship, community, and bringing joy to others. Though her roots began in Missouri, Niles, Michigan became the place where she made her mark and where generations of people came to know and love her.

Carolyn was a familiar face in the community for decades. She spent many years bartending in Niles, a profession she genuinely loved because it allowed her to connect with people, make others feel welcome, and become part of the memories and stories of countless local families. Following in the footsteps of her mother, Dolores “Dee-Dee” McDonald, Carolyn carried on a family tradition of tending bar and caring for people with humor, warmth, and honesty. Friends often said Carolyn could make anyone feel like family within minutes of meeting her.

She was especially proud of her time serving as building manager of the historic Four Flags Hotel in downtown Niles. The role meant more to Carolyn than a title — it gave her purpose, responsibility, and the opportunity to help preserve one of the city’s treasured landmarks. Newspaper articles through the years highlighted her work there, including coverage surrounding the retirement of the famous Four Flags switchboard, where Carolyn helped represent an important piece of local history.

Perhaps Carolyn’s most beloved role was the one that brought smiles to children and families across the area for generations: the Easter Bunny.

Inspired by traditions started by her mother, Carolyn became widely known throughout Niles for dressing as the Easter Bunny, Mrs. Claus, and many other holiday characters. What began as a family tradition became part of the fabric of the community. Whether she was visiting Easter egg hunts, downtown events, nursing homes, restaurants, parades, or simply waving to passing cars during difficult times, Carolyn believed deeply in bringing happiness to people.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when celebrations were canceled and spirits were low, Carolyn continued dressing as the Easter Bunny and waving to residents from sidewalks and parks throughout town, hoping to brighten someone’s day. She once said she planned to keep doing it “until I can’t walk anymore.”

Carolyn loved holidays, costumes, laughter, and above all, people. She had a gift for making others smile and for turning ordinary moments into cherished memories. To many children in Niles, she was Easter and Christmas. To many adults, she represented kindness, tradition, and hometown spirit.

Carolyn shared many years of love, laughter, and adventure with her husband, Larry Kilcoyne. The two were married in Las Vegas in a ceremony officiated by Elvis Presley

himself — a memory that brought Carolyn tremendous happiness as a lifelong Elvis fan. They later celebrated their marriage again in a church ceremony on July 31, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Berrien Springs with Pastor Derek Cromwell officiating.

Together, Carolyn and Larry enjoyed traveling and making memories through the years, including trips to Mackinac Island, California, Las Vegas, and countless smaller adventures throughout Michigan. Whether it was a major vacation or a simple road trip, Carolyn treasured the time spent with the people she loved.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Kilcoyne; her son, Brian Van Scoyk; her brother, Johnnie (Belinda) Hall and their children Jennifer Ottman, Tracie Needham, and Heather Hall; her sister, Patricia (Bill) Hager and their children Deanna Hager Rainey, Denise Hager Thrasher, and Becky Hager; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, coworkers, and community members whose lives she touched throughout the years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, U.A. Hall and Dolores Irene “Dee-Dee” McDonald; her sister, Geraldine Kozak; and many beloved friends and family members.

Carolyn’s legacy lives on in the countless smiles she created, the traditions she carried forward, and the love she gave so freely to others. Niles will not look quite the same without seeing Carolyn dressed for a holiday, waving to children, or greeting people with her familiar warmth and humor.

A memorial service honoring Carolyn’s life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 209 N. Cass Street, Berrien Springs,

Michigan 49103, with Pastor Derek Cromwell presiding. A meal will follow the service.

A family Celebration of Life gathering will also be held on June 13, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM at 33914 Bertrand Road, Niles, Michigan. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, memories, laughter, food, and fellowship while honoring a woman whose life helped brighten an entire community. Food, soda, and water will be provided. The family respectfully asks that this remains a non-alcoholic gathering.