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Carol Waldrop Obituary
Born: Oskaloosa, IA; April 7, 1939, Died: Phoenix, AZ, July 7, 2009. There is a lot of pressure to describe someone's life in words, especially a life as big and wonderful as Carol Williams (Torrey) Waldrop's. As expressive as words can be, none can adequately describe knowing Carol personally. This is all you needed to know: you always knew when Carol entered a room and when she left a one. Carol would come into a room with a warm, friendly and admittedly "loud" hello. But that was Carol. Always happy. Always carrying with her that rare quality to lift the spirit of others and bring humor to all situations. And if you didn't smile at her jokes, her signature cookies would certainly do the trick. In terms of giving, the list is as big as her heart. Throughout her life, Carol was involved in many charities and community service organizations including, the Scottsdale Girls Club, Phoenix Art Museum League, Junior League of Phoenix, Phoenix Country Day School, Family Service Agency, Phoenix Zoo Board, the Women's Board of the Arizona Kidney Foundation, the Desert Foundation Auxiliary, Friends of Arizona Cancer Center, COMPAS Board and Florence Crittenton. Carol generously donated her time and was an amazing fundraiser. She could laugh a donation out of almost anyone, and countless organizations benefitted from her caring nature and determination to help others. Carol helped others in her professional career as well. She co-founded the RED BOOK and worked at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Hospice of the Valley, TGEN and most recently the Arizona Science Center, all jobs that revolved around improving the lives of others.
While all of these great organizations will miss Carol, it is her close-knit group of friends that will miss her most. Carol made them laugh, even at the expense of herself. She was the comic relief. While the room now feels empty without her loving, gracious spirit and laughter, the memories of times together with Carol will be cherished forever. Carol is the daughter of Laura & Hazelton Williams and is survived by her husband Woody Waldrop, sons Scot & Mark Torrey, daughter Blair Anne Torrey, grandson Clayton Torrey and granddaughter Paige Torrey. Services will be held on Saturday July 11, 2009 at 11am Valley Presbyterian, 6947 East McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in Carol's name to the Arizona Science Center, 600 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carol Waldrop
Sponsored by Scot Torrey.
Tuppy Grow Gravel
October 14, 2010
I just learned about Carol's passing. She was a wonderful friend to my parents and myself during the many years we spent the winters in PV. I will miss her upbeat personality and that great smile.
Pat Burke
July 18, 2009
So sorry to hear about Carol.
She always had a pleasant smile,
and was always so nice to me.
Carrie and Joe Ostroski
July 16, 2009
Carol was a wonderful mentor, role model and friend. She always made everyone feel comfortable, equal and valued. She had an amazing sense of humor and Joe and I always enjoyed and looked forward to seeing Carol and Woody at events and activities in the Valley. She taught me so much and I am blessed to have known her. We will miss her. Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with Carol's family.
Michaelene Cornish
July 14, 2009
I barely knew Carol and only for a short while. She always acknowledged me with kindness. I will always remember her for that. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Louise (Shipman) Phillips
July 12, 2009
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. With deepest sympathy to the family of Carol. We will greatly miss her at our next class reunion.
The Oskaloosa Class of 1957 has donated money in Carol's name to Hospice Serenity House that is being built in Oskaloosa.
Her family is in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Joan Squires and Tom Fay
July 12, 2009
We were so saddened to hear of Carol's passing today. It is a tremendous loss for so many - for Woody and the family, and also the community. We remember Carol fondly from when we lived in Phoenix, and she was always so vibrant and energetic.
Our heartfelt condolences to Woody and family.
With deepest sympathy
Lynn (Williams) Jorgensen
July 11, 2009
With Carol's passing from the world, a hole has been ripped in the universe. She contributed so much to so many with an effervescent spirit -- whether it was introducing models going down a runway or singing at our wedding.
My childhood suddenly reappears. Here we are again playing, sharing family time, band trips, church youth fellowship -- the loss of her father, the love of her mother Laura -- and that loss.
Carol helped shape our space. My condolences to all her family and those whose lives she touched and enhanced.
July 10, 2009
So unbelievably hard to not have her with us!! She lit up a room with her presence and always was there for anyone who needed her!! Sam and I will miss her immensely. Hugs to her family, Sam and Karen Rogers
Ellie & Pat Nolan
July 10, 2009
Our love and sympathy to Carol's family. She was such a good friend when we lived in Phoenix. We worked together on various volunteer committees. We feel a loss knowing she is no longer with us. We will always remember Carol with a smile and love.
Mary (Johnston) Milledge
July 10, 2009
Carol was a dear school friend in Oskaloosa ...such a talented and caring person even way back then. I recall all the fun we had singing in our trio, "The Brushcuts". When meeting again for reunions, it was as though we had never been apart. I will miss her. My sincere sympathy to all her family.
Deborah Bateman
July 9, 2009
Our community has lost an incredible advocate, supporter, and champion. Carol was an inspiration and a leader and she will be missed by all. My life was enriched by knowing and watching her good works.
Tobey Erskine
July 9, 2009
During my time working at Florence Crittenton, I had both the honor and pleasure of getting to know Carol. Her wit was so delightful, and her compassion for those in need was truly inspiring. My condolences to both her family and friends.
Kari Yatkowski
July 9, 2009
The world is a better place for having a spirit as big as Carol's and she will be dearly missed. My heartfelt prayers to her family and huge circle of firends.
John Williams
July 9, 2009
My mother Hester and my sisters Lynn & Emily join me in offering our heartfelt condolences to Woody, Scott, Mark and Blair Anne.
Randy McLean
July 9, 2009
My wife Dana worked under Carol's supervision at the AZ Science Center; Carol was always kind, supportive and fun to work with. Dana spoke highly of her often. I did not personally know Carol although I am thankful Dana had the opportunity to work with her; develop a friendship with her. Thank you Carol! My sympathy to Carol's family.
Sarah and Tom Cheek
July 9, 2009
It is said that no one is irreplaceable, but Carol Waldrop may be the exception. Her presence and decades of community service improved the lives and quality of life for countless people, many of whom will never know of her quiet and impactful work.
Carol, we love you... this is a loss which leaves a huge void in our hearts and in our community. Thank you for all you did to enrich our lives in so many ways. The Pearly Gates must have had the Red Carpet out for you... and well deserved.
Love always,
John Williams
July 9, 2009
On behalf of her Oskaloosa family of Hester WIlliams, Lynn & Jim Jorgensen, Emily & Dave Larson, and John & Karin WIlliams, I offer our condolences to Woody, Scott, Mark & Blair Anne.
Linda M. Herold
July 9, 2009
Carol was a joy to know. Her great spirit will be missed. My heartfelt sympathy to the Waldrop family and her dear friends.
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