Carolyn McClaskey Mapes

MAPES, Carolyn McClaskey, 71, of Midlothian, Va., formerly of San Diego, Calif., died April 27, 2010 after an extended illness. She is survived by children, Gordon (Susan) of Richmond, Va., Frank (Wendy) of Cranston, R.I. and Amanda Trompas (Greg) of San Diego; three grandchildren, Stuart and Chloe Mapes and Mia Trompas; best friend, Brenda Stokes; and godson, D.J. Gauger. A 30-year traumatic head injury survivor, Carolyn met tenaciously the challenges of life. As a hospital volunteer, she brought hope to fellow amputees, and in the community, joy to those who caught sight of her in her '68 Cadillac convertible. She tried hard to live well. "Atta girl!" A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, May 1, 2010, at The Brandermill Church, 4500 Millridge Pkwy., Midlothian, Va. 23112. An inurnment will follow at a later date in San Diego. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation, P.O. Box 84601, San Diego, Calif. 92138-4601 www.SDBIF.org; Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, Utah 84741-5000, or The Brandermill Church Endowment Fund.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.