Carolyn "Carroll" O'Connell

Carolyn Carroll O'Connell of Fullerton, California, entered into eternal life on January 8, 2017 at the age of 70. Carolyn is survived by her husband Michael O'Connell; daughter Lisa (Jeff) Emard; son Ryan (Julie) O'Connell; her brother Bob (Teri) Carroll; and her five beloved grandchildren, who were the light of her life and brought her endless joy.
Carolyn was born in Coalinga, Calif. and grew up in Avenal and Bakersfield, Calif. She graduated from Garces Memorial High School, where she met her husband. After graduating from Bakersfield College and serving as the editor of the yearbook, she joined Michael in San Francisco, where they were married on May 1, 1967. While being a wife and mother was always her first priority, she also served for 25 years in the Fullerton School District, where her colleagues became her extended family.
Carolyn and Michael looked forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year, and their marriage was a beautiful example of traditional wedding vows, proving what it meant to have and to hold for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death parted them.
She was the most kind, generous and loving person. Her home was always an open door, and she welcomed friends, family, relatives and those-in-need with love and open arms. She had an infinite capacity to love people fiercely, deeply and unconditionally - countless people referred to her as their "second Mom" or "Nana."
She amazed everyone around her by her strength and resilience through years of physical pain, and constantly had a smile on her face. She always kept a positive attitude and enjoyed life to the fullest; no matter what hardship she was handed. She maintained her keen sense of humor until the day she passed, and she kept everyone around her smiling, even while she suffered.
Carolyn will be missed forever by all who loved her. In accordance with her wishes, a funeral service will not be held. Her final resting place will be near her parents, Bob and Lois Carroll, at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Calif. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.