Carolyn Putnam Vrtunski, age 90, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. Born on March 22, 1936, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Carolyn lived a life dedicated to education, service, and community.

Carolyn’s academic journey was marked by her passion for learning and helping others. She graduated from high school in 1954 in Orangeburg, SC. Her path to higher education began with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of South Carolina and later a Master’s degree in Nursing at Emory University. Carolyn’s nursing career included working as a surgical nurse and teaching as a nursing instructor. She also served as a public health nurse in the Gullah island communities near Charleston, South Carolina, focusing on supporting mothers and babies. Growing up and starting her career in the segregated South played an important role in developing Carolyn’s lifelong dedication to fairness and justice.

Her interest in furthering her career in science led her to move to Cleveland in 1966 to pursue a PhD in Psychology from Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Vrtunski served as a psychologist at Fairhill Psychiatric Hospital and later at the Cleveland Psychiatric Institute. Carolyn ultimately became Chief Psychologist at the Cleveland Psychiatric Institute, a role she held until her retirement in 1994.

Carolyn was married to P. Bart Vrtunski from 1968 to 1981, and they had one daughter, Sasha, in 1969. Following the divorce, Carolyn was Sasha’s primary caregiver during her middle and high school years, balancing the dual roles of raising a teenage daughter and working as a psychologist at CPI.

Beyond her professional achievements, Carolyn was deeply committed to her community and faith. A member of Forest Hill Church, Presbyterian for over 55 years, she served as an Elder on Session, a member of the Board of Trustees, a Sunday school teacher, a choir member, and helped start a garden on the church lawn. Her devotion to service extended far beyond the church walls; she gave generously of both her time and resources to numerous non-profits in the Cleveland area.

A proud master gardener, Carolyn shared her love of horticulture with others by volunteering on the garden hotline and participating in community gardens and Master Gardener events. She also devoted time to organizations such as the Girl Scouts, the Cleveland Ballet, and Garden Valley Community Center. Her hobbies reflected her vibrant spirit—she enjoyed gardening, swimming at Thornton pool during the summer months, knitting, enjoying the performing arts, and doing puzzles.

Carolyn is survived by her sister Betsy Hammet (the late Rev. Jerry Hammet) of Summerville, SC; daughter Sasha Vrtunski (Craig White) and grandson Alexander White of Asheville, NC. She was predeceased by her parents, Ellen and G.W. Putnam, and her brother Glenn Putnam (the late Linda Putnam).

Those who knew her were familiar with Carolyn’s loyalty and strong sense of justice–and her willingness to share her opinions when she found something to be unfair. Carolyn’s legacy is one of compassion, intellect, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those around her. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

The family requests that donations be made to Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County or Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity in lieu of flowers.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 15, at 11 AM at Forest Hill Church, 3031 Monticello Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44118.