Carolyn Yvonne "Brownie" Burnell Van Cauwenbergh went to join her beloved husband of 54 years, Bruce Lee Van Cauwenbergh in the sky on August 29. She is survived by her son, Bruce Lee, Jr.,and stepson Gary both of Lebanon, IN., her  granddaughter, Tara Van Sickle (Chris), grandson, Bruce Lee III both of Indianapolis and 7 great grandchildren. Carolyn is also survived by her brother, Curtis (Beverly) Burnell of Belmont, New York and a sister Cecelia McKinney of Edgewater, Florida, her aunt, June Egold of Indianapolis and many nieces and nephews.
Carolyn was born July 13, 1936 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Clarence and Clovie (Bristow) Burnell, the youngest of eight children. She was preceded in death by brothers Clayton, Cleo, Clifton, Dave and Clyde.
Carolyn and her husband owned and operated several businesses, including a motorcycle parts shop, sandwich shop, 3 dry cleaning businesses, Honda shop, and an ice distribution business.
She will be remembered for her big heart of thankfulness to those she did business with, whether it was the doctor, hardware store, bank or post office she thanked them all with gifts of cookies and other goodies.
Carolyn helped others including strangers in the checkout line. She also helped family in many different ways.
She was known as the "Hat Lady" or as she called herself "The Crazy Hat Lady" or "Crazy Aunt". She made hats to wear on the bun on top of her head for "any reason or any season" with a total of about 400.
Carolyn was the FUN in any gathering and definitely ONE OF A KIND! She will be lovingly missed by all who knew her.