Carol just turned 80 in November, and although the last 4 months had been difficult for her, she was blessed with a long, happy, active and healthy life.
Carol was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 16, 1932. Life was hard in her early years – in 1940 she left her father, and came to San Gabriel, CA with her mom and her brother and barely a penny between them. There they lived with her grandma, and at 11 years of age Carol started working in a restaurant serving food. She was a very good student, a valedictorian in her class at Mark-Keppel high school in San Gabriel, CA. As a young girl, she always dreamed of becoming a missionary for the church and visiting China, but responsibility called her.
Carol never shied away from work and was never afraid of hard times. She was a product of the great depression, and that shaped many of her lifelong attitudes about money, work, politics, and everything in between. She told stories about her friends not having shoes to wear, her mother losing her finger tips in a pickle canning factory, and that no matter how poor they were; here family would always open the door to a friend or stranger for a hot meal.
Perhaps Carol’s first, greatest and deepest friendship was with her mom, Margaret. They spoke everyday, Monday through Friday, at 8AM. Carol spent much time with her mom, and loved her very much. She missed her mom terribly when she passed in 1984, and is surely rejoicing today as they reunite.
Carol was married shortly after high school and had her first son, Bradley Peterson at the age of 26 in 1957. Throughout the years, Carol has always been Brad’s “rock”, the one person that would always stand by his side and help him regardless of the situation. She truly loved her son, Brad, and he will miss her deeply.
In May1963, Carol married the love of her life, David Black. They were truly in love… for all those years, every day, every second, and every moment. They were perfect compliments to each other – he an artist, a thinker, and a dreamer. She a pragmatist, and a do-er. To David’s hot air balloon, Carol was his anchor. Once again, Carol was David’s “rock”, the one that gave him all that he needed. Without each other, they would have been incomplete – with each other they had the love affair for the ages.
They were married for 50 years.
Daniel, her second son was born in 1964. Carol was proud of Daniel and loved him, his wife Kimberly and their three little boys. Carol was Daniel’s sounding board, the person who could listen, without judging, and help Daniel find his right answer. She was always there for Daniel, always helping him navigate life. She will continue to be Daniel’s beacon, guiding him during times of need.
Carol loved her grandchildren, and was extremely proud of them. Carol bragged about them all, and shared their pictures with all her friends. When Daniel met Kimberly for the first time, she knew they would be married, and knew her son would be safe and loved by her. Mom will be very missed, and although she is gone, we know she will continue to listen and guide us.
Carol finally made it to China, and it seems like everywhere else! David and Carol became extensive travelers. They went to China, Hawaii, Australia, Canada, Europe, Mexico, east-coast, west-coast, and everywhere in between. They loved to travel, meet new people, and see the world. Carol always thought that traveling was the best way to spend your money.
Perhaps it was the tough times, or seeing her family and friends suffer during the depression, but Carol became an active member of the Assistance League of Huntington Beach / Orange County. There she helped get needy folks dental services, clothing and other much needed essentials.
Carol was a superb baker, and even won first place for her Blackberry jam at the Orange County Fair in 2002. She grew the berries in her backyard. When asked if she’ll enter again, she said, “why, I already got first place”. She never entered gain!
Carol was the Chairman of the Board, raised two children, was an active citizen of Huntington Beach for 40 years.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents John and Margaret Sands, as well as her brother, Lawrence Sands.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to The Cancer Research Institute at (800) 99-CANCER.
She loved this poem:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Dearest Carol, Dearest Mother, and Dearest Friend: We will miss you until we meet again.
He funeral and burial will begin at 12 noon on Friday, January 11, 2013, at Westminster Memorial Park in Westminster, Ca. www.westminstermemorial.net
Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd , Westminster Memorial Park California 92683. (714) 893-2421
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