Aunt
Carrie Westcott
Carrie Westcott is Josh Liljenquist's maternal aunt and the sister of his mother, Julie Ann Liljenquist. Because Carrie and Julie shared so much of the children's daily care, Josh grew up seeing Carrie as a second mother.
Carrie's care, discipline, and steady presence made her feel like a second mother throughout much of Josh's childhood.
A second mother in daily life
Josh estimates that he spent about half of childhood time in Carrie's care because Carrie was a steady part of everyday family life. He says her care and discipline made him feel like one of her own children.
She disciplined him when he was out of line, made him feel at home, and helped create the everyday setting for Josh's sibling-like relationship with his cousins.
Attention to the small things
Carrie is shy when first meeting someone, but Josh describes her as fun, warm, attentive, a strong listener, and someone who notices details that make a difference later.
A running family joke is that Carrie reminds Josh when he leaves the kitchen light on or eats the family's snacks. Josh says those small details reflect a home where he is always welcome.
Care and listening
Outside family life, Carrie has built a career in insurance. Listening closely to people and understanding what matters to their families has long been part of the way she approaches her work.
Support and quiet service
Carrie checked on Josh during health problems, attended sporting events, and supported him well beyond what he expected from an aunt. Her support continued into adulthood.
Josh remembers Carrie working in a receptionist or coordination role at Fairmont Plumbing and Heating, where grandchildren would run around and play in the shop. He says much of Carrie's giving often happens privately without seeking attention.
More about this story
Family ties
A larger family legacy
Read Legacy of Service for the broader family story and People Who Shaped Josh for this growing collection.