Hello, my name is Danielle, and I had the honor of being Caryn’s best friend since high school. I remember traveling to California for her high school graduation after she moved there during our junior year and graduated early. When she returned to the East Coast about twelve years ago, it felt as though no time had passed—we picked up right where we left off.
Throughout the years, our lives evolved in many ways—marriages, children, divorce, and everything in between. Reconnecting with Caryn during that time was truly a gift. A few years after her return, she reconnected with a former classmate, Shawn Wagner, and they were married on May 25, 2018. Caryn was also a devoted mother to her two beautiful daughters, Meagan and Kori, with whom she spoke every single day, and she recently became a proud grandmother to sweet Caiden, a little boy with the most adorable blond curls.
Caryn faced significant health challenges over the years—chronic issues that remained largely undiagnosed despite numerous surgeries and doctor visits. One of the conditions she struggled with was abdominal adhesions, which caused her severe pain and often led to hospital visits. I accompanied her to the ER many times, only for her to leave without relief. It’s incredibly difficult to witness someone you love suffer and feel powerless to help. You do everything you can for your friends and family, but sometimes the pain they endure is beyond anyone’s ability to fix.
Most recently, Caryn had begun working with a new pain management specialist, which brought her some relief. While it wasn’t a cure, it was a small comfort in an ongoing struggle.
Caryn was a strong, compassionate, and loving person, and I am grateful for the years of friendship we shared. Her strength through unimaginable challenges remains a testament to the kind of woman she was.
Caryn left this earth on May 30, 2025, just after celebrating her 8th wedding anniversary to her hubby. Unfortunately, she did not have life insurance to leave for her husband or children. If you have anything to share, every dollar would be appreciated. As you can imagine, the medical bills along are daunting.
