Colleen Marie Carpenter

She was born February 17th, 1938, in Los Angeles, California. Her family first moved to Solana Beach in 1949 and, after she married Gerald Carpenter in 1960, she lived there until the time of her death.

Colleen worked at the UCSD School of Medicine as the Director of Contracts and Grants for 22 years until she retired in 2001. She served the community as PTA President, president of the Little League Auxiliary for two years, secretary of the Pop Warner football board, player agent of the Solana-Del-Rancho Pony-Colt League, President of the Colt League, and Assistant District Administrator for District 31 Little League for three years in the 1970’s.

She was a dedicated gardener and flower arranger, participating in the County Fair flower show, earning trophies for best participant for three years in the 1970’s. Her other interests included bowling with her family for over 60 years, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, sewing, and crocheting. She also had an extensive library and enjoyed books on a variety of subjects. She and Jerry raised three sons and enjoyed entertaining friends, including three rock concerts at their home. Colleen loved to entertain and cook, and held large family dinners and parties for family and friends.

Her husband, Gerald, was ill over a long period of time and eventually had a heart transplant in 1994. Colleen supervised his care and treatments while working full time at UCSD, and had to forego her outside interests for a number of years.

Mrs. Carpenter was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Margaret O’Riva, her husband Gerald Carpenter who passed way in 1997, brothers Jack and Patrick and sister Helen O’Riva. She is survived by her sons Michael of Carmel Valley (and wife Julie), Charles of Escondido (and wife Carol), and Richard of Mira Mesa, two grandchildren, Megan Cole and Matthew Carpenter, Carol’s daughters Megan and Kara, and Kara’s children Nolan and Grace.

A funeral service was held January 18th at El Camino Memorial, with burial at Oak Hill Memorial Park.