Carolyn Margaret Asay Vance was born January 27, 1938, the second daughter of Ivan and Elizabeth Asay in Washington, DC. A lively child who always demonstrated a mind of her own, Carolyn grew up in Bethesda, MD where in later years she was active in the community as well as in local and national politics. She developed a deep concern for ending racial discrimination which became a guiding force throughout her life.
Carolyn’s work experience was varied but generally centered on economic development for women and minorities, including inner city projects in Washington, DC and New York City, as a lending officer for small and mid-sized businesses at Chemical Bank, and Chief of Operations at the American Woman’s Economic Development Corporation. During some of that time she spent her nights working toward her college degree, graduating from the University of Maryland in 1978.
In 1983, Carolyn’s search for spiritual renewal was answered when she discovered Sahaja Yoga. In her own words, when she received her Self-realization she felt like “a twelve-lane highway opened up my spine”. She became a very dynamic Sahaja Yogini, with whom Shri Mataji often talked during Her visits to the United States. Carolyn was a highly respected leader, serving on the American council between 2011-2015, the first two years of that period as the National Coordinator. She remained strongly dedicated to Sahaja Yoga until the end of her life.
She passed away surrounded by loved ones on May 8, 2022.
Known as “Nana” to her grandchildren, Carolyn remained devoted to her family throughout her lifetime. Her love, smiles, and French Toast will be missed by all.
Carolyn is survived by her sons, John H. Vance, III (Michelle) and Jeff (Maribeth) and daughter, Susan Vance Cunningham (Russ); eight grandchildren; sisters, Joan Crowley and Marian Humphrey (Richard) and brother, Roger Asay (Rebecca Davis). Survivors also include her first husband, John H. Vance, Jr., and her husband from her Sahaja Yoga marriage, Volodymyr Sheredeko, originally from Russia.
Comments from Sahaja Yogis:
“Carolyn was a dear sister. She exuded qualities that Shri Mataji encouraged in all her daughters – dignity, self-respect, leadership, and of course, love and compassion. When I needed the guidance of a sister, she invited me to live with her. At the time she was caring for her young grandchildren in Virginia Beach. By her example, I learned the deep qualities of a yogini. Everything in her life was guided by vibrations. One day I saw her holding her hands towards a newspaper. She said she was checking vibrations of the candidates before going to vote. Once, at a seminar, a child was not feeling well in the middle of the night. Carolyn was summoned and started working on the child. The mother was worried and wondered about going to the hospital. As I remember, Carolyn said: “Either you believe in vibrations, or you don’t”. The child recovered beautifully. She lived fully in unwavering dedication and devotion to Shri Mataji. She was connected to the Paramchaitanya and expressed it through her boundless energy and centered powerful presence. We miss you Carolyn, your shining blue eyes and contagious smile will always be our hearts.” — Ann R.
“We were with Shri Mataji in the year 2000 in hotel room in Reston, VA. Yogis were busy with all the activity going around Her. We were all gathered in the hallway leading up to the room and preparations were ongoing for Her to visit downtown. There was a noticeable noise level and as we would say something to Shri Mataji, She was not able to hear us. So we would get close to Her ear to speak, and this continued for a while. All of a sudden, Shri Mataji mentioned that Carolyn had arrived and She could hear her in the hallway, and asked to bring her in right away. Indeed she had, and I ran out to ask Carolyn Aunty to come see Shri Mataji. Amazing to just be there to observe this!” — Anurag A.
“After Carolyn’s passing, it took a couple of days before I felt as though I could watch the video and read through everyone’s beautiful reflections on the life of our dear sister and aunty. Thanks to all for sharing the wonderful remembrances. Amidst the sense of loss of someone who was so dear to us, it was so touching and joyful to hear and read everybody’s stories. Among the things that struck me, aside from the many, many people whose lives were touched by Carolyn, was the extended period of time during which she was such a dedicated and dynamic force in the collective. From the times some of us spent with her in the 80s to recent years, Carolyn never wavered in her steadfast, loving, joyous commitment to the great work of Shri Mataji and to being a source of guidance and support to everyone around her. The deep sense of purpose that flowed through Carolyn’s life is both humbling and inspiring. Dear sister Carolyn, you will remain ever in our hearts, and we know that you are joyously seated at the Lotus Feet of our Holy Mother.” — Paul E.
Tribute to Carolyn – video:
“We had the pleasure of being in Aunty Carolyn’s company for almost two years in Virginia Beach. We remember her as a strong and devoted Sahaja yogini, enthusiastic and full of energy. So much experience and so many years in SahajaYoga, we always got to hear amazing stories from her as she was a great story teller. She once told Shri Mataji that at certain age she will retire and take a back seat from Sahaja work. Shri Mataji looked at her and said: “There is no retirement in Sahaja Yoga”. Indeed, Aunty Carolyn lived up to that message, sharing, giving and bringing Shri Mataji’s blessings to so many. A warrior we will always remember fondly.” — Niraj N.
From Carolyn’s 80th birthday:
“While we all knew we had limited time with Aunty Carolyn amongst us, when I heard the news, I had a moment of pause and many decades of my association with Aunty flashed right in front of my eyes. As I looked outside the window looking at the sky with tears in my eyes, I felt a mixed set of emotions. First it was sorrow, for I felt I had lost my mother/grandmother, but most importantly a unique personality in the American collective, and what she represented and meant for Sahaja Yoga in the United States. It was the end of an era in my opinion. She was so dynamic and surrendered to Shri Mataji’s cause that she was an inspiration for me. The second feeling that followed was a sense of relief that Shri Mataji had blessed her with a more peaceful and comfortable place at HER lotus feet. Lastly, I sat in front of Shri Mataji’s picture with a sense of promise that we will carry forward Carolyn’s commitment and surrender to Shri Mataji’s cause in the United States. I thank Shri Mataji for giving us a chance to spend time with a unique yogini like Carolyn Aunty and pray to HER to shower all the blessings to Aunty’s departed soul. Jai Shri Mataji!” — Ram N.