Caroline York Chisum, 96, of Friendship, Maryland, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025 at her home. Born on October 16, 1928, in Baltimore, Maryland, she was the daughter of Josephine Prout and James Arthur York.
Caroline grew up in Baltimore and graduated from Roland Park Country School, then went on to attend Randolph-Macon Woman’s College where she majored in Chemistry, and found employment as a chemist at Lever Brothers.
As a young woman, she moved to the West coast, booking passage aboard a freighter from Baltimore to San Francisco. While living there with a friend, she met her husband Oscar Clarke Chisum. Caroline was a devoted and incredible Navy wife, mother, and homemaker, lovingly caring for her family wherever her husband’s military assignments took them: from California to Virginia, Maryland, Rome, and Brussels. She traveled from the United States with their four young children to Germany and led them on a three-month camping adventure throughout Europe while Clarke was at sea, reuniting in Italy to begin their next chapter.
After Europe they moved back to Virginia, retiring to Caroline’s home state of Maryland. She was a member of St. James’ Parish in Lothian, where she loved to sing in the choir. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, and dabbling in various artistic hobbies, such as painting and stained glass, with her bright and whimsical style.
Caroline is survived by her children, James Ralph Chisum (Susan Levene) of Baltimore, Leslie Clarke Marino (the late Claudio Masci) of Friendship, Clifton York Chisum of Norfolk, VA, and Johnathon Douglas Chisum (Stephanie) of Waynesboro, VA; her grandchildren Andrew, Bryan, Stephen, Virginia, Benson, and Catherine. She was preceded in death by her husband O. Clarke Chisum, and her brother Douglas Hamilton York.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 31, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Rausch Funeral Home in Owings, MD. Funeral service to follow at 11:30 A.M., at St. James’ Parish in Lothian, MD. Caroline loved bright colors and hats; please feel comfortable wearing bright and joyful attire to honor and celebrate Caroline.
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Jill York
May 30 – Obituary: Caroline York Chisum
Aunt Caroline was such a role model for me. She was always inquisitive and kind; never judgmental or harsh. Her ability to wrap gifts without tape still stymies me! I look forward to spending eternity with her.
Greg Montgomery
May 26 – Obituary: Caroline York Chisum
I spent many evenings with Caroline who regaled me with stories and listening to Dragnet and Gunsmoke on radio. She is a wonderful soul and I look forward to seeing her again. 💕 Thank you for sharing her with me.
Irene Montgomery
May 26 – Obituary: Caroline York Chisum
We were lucky to have known Caroline for many years. Her smile, her jokes, her grand style and generosity were with out bounds. She will be missed but will remain present in Our day to day memories.
Aja James (Sally)
May 24 – Obituary: Caroline York Chisum
One of the nicest women in the world, and a role model in my younger years. Her family was like my family, and she is always in my thoughts. I can only hope to have a fulfilling life such as Caroline’s. Thank you for loving me like your own….
Sheri Kloby
May 24 – Obituary: Caroline York Chisum
Caroline was the sweetest person. I enjoyed helping her and Leslie before my retirement in December. She always earned a smile from me and a lolly pop! Leslie you did the best that you could do taking fine care of your mom. Relax some now, knowing she’s resting peacefully in heaven. Miss you!
Sheri Kloby
Brenda Boucher
May 23 – Obituary: Caroline York Chisum
Miss Caroline was a spirited soul! She love to tease me playfully and treated me like a daughter. I will miss her smile but I know she is smiling down from heaven ❣️
Bob and Greg
May 22 – Obituary: Caroline York Chisum
Such a dear friend. We spent many delightful times at summer camp. Shrine Mont. Greg and I will celebrate her amazing life. We love Leslie as our sister in Christ. A dear friend too.
Sharon L. McGlaughlin
May 22 – Obituary: Caroline York Chisum
Caroline welcomed me my very first Sunday at St. James over three decades ago. I will always remember her sweet, beautiful face, her kindness, and her singing.
I will miss her, but I know that she is in Heaven with God and her beloved Clark.
Sharon McGlaughlin
Daike Klement
May 22 – Obituary: Caroline York Chisum
Caroline and her daughter Leslie were always a joy to see when we were all at the Shenandoah music festival for multitude of summers. A whip of a lady she was. Laughed all the time and had the biggest smile you could see a mile away.
She will be missed. My heart felt condolences to her kids.
Daike
Lucia Anne Conn
May 22 – Obituary: Caroline York Chisum
We only knew Caroline for a few years but knew her to be a lovely & sweet lady. Her home was beautiful & decorated tastefully & with whimsy. We enjoyed our visits with her.
We send our love to Leslie & family.
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