Carole Yvonne Hynes

April 11, 2025

Wife of Brother Jim Hynes

Minnetonka – Hynes, Carole Yvonne (aka “Christmas Carole”), age 81, peacefully joined her parents and sister in Heaven on April 11, 2025.

Carole was born December 25, 1943, at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. She was raised in Robbinsdale and graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1961. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science with distinction in French Education after only 3 years, including studies at the University of Grenoble.

In 1967, she earned a Master of Arts degree in French literature, met her husband, Jim and became a French teacher in the Minnetonka Public Schools. Carole and Jim were married August 1, 1970, built their lifelong home in Minnetonka in 1971 and welcomed son Matthew James in 1975, and daughter Erin Gaynelle in 1977. She loved all things French, from teaching French cuisine in her home and for Minnetonka Community Education to serving as a substitute teacher for Wayzata Public Schools and collecting Eiffel Tower replicas.

She was a member of the Alliance Francaise and a generous donor of her time and resources to the U of MN’s Global Strategy Alliance and Center for Advanced Research in Language Acquisition (CARLA) and Jim’s alma mater, Kean University in Union, NJ. Becoming a grandmother, being a breast cancer survivor, and attending St. Therese church were life enriching! She loved to be with her family & friends and serve as a volunteer at Methodist Hospital.

Carole enjoyed travelling abroad, spending time at the family town home in Lutsen, MN, and wintering in Arizona. Needlepoint was her favorite hobby, and she frequently won ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair for her creations. She was also a devoted viewer of the Lawrence Welk show every Saturday night with Jim.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents Warren and Doris Dodds and sister Sharon. She is survived by her loving husband Jim of nearly 55 years, her son Matt, her daughter Erin (Justin) and her four grandchildren Desmond, Micah, Everett, and Makayla. The cardinal, which Carole called the “family bird,” will serve as a way to remember her. One of her favorite sayings was “When cardinals appear, loved ones are near”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Carole Y. and James G. Hynes Global Scholarship (fund 21197), by sending to: University of Minnesota Foundation P.O. Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266 or online at https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/fund.html?id=21197 

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial 11am Friday, May 2nd, with visitation beginning at 10am, at The Church of St. Therese of Deephaven, 18325 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven. Private interment Lakewood Cemetery.  www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

April 21, 2025

Brothers.

Many of you might not realize that generosity that Jim and Yvonne provided to Kean University but the administration of the University did as quoted below and addressed to their daughter, Erin Rezac:

At Kean, philanthropy provides the margin of excellence that allows us to dream big and make dreams come true. Philanthropy is about impact. I can think of no family that has had a greater impact on Kean University than the Hynes Family. 

- Bill Miller, Kean Foundation.

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Thank you for your kind and generous words, and even greater thanks for helping to bring your family together to celebrate Hynes Hall and its beloved benefactors.  There is no degree of hospitality or words that can match our gratitude and appreciation for all Jim and Carole do and all that they are.  I assure you that having an opportunity to contribute in my small way, to this special homecoming for them, was a highlight for me.

I also know that President Repollet was so pleased and honored to have you all here.  If the Hynes Family finds the chance to do it again, please do not hesitate to call on us!  We couldn't be more delighted.

With love and thanks,

Felice K. Vazquez, Esq.
Senior Vice President & Special Counsel
Office of the President
Kean University