Carol Arnold

Carol Barnes Arnold (previously Carol Barnes Wagner) passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026 with family at her side at Glenbrook Health Center near her home in Carlsbad, California. She was 91 years of age.

Born Carol Ann Barnes on July 21st,1934 in Chicago, Carol graduated from North Park Academy High School in Chicago and Northwestern University in Evanston, becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree. She was a proud Northwestern "Wildcats" alum to the end, and established lifelong friendships with many of her Tri Delta sorority sisters there.

After marrying fellow Northwestern student Ray Wagner in 1955 Carol raised three sons while pursuing a teaching career. The family moved in 1968 to Southern California where Carol would continue to live until her death, including years on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, in San Clemente, and most recently at La Costa Glen retirement community in Carlsbad. After moving to California Carol enjoyed teaching first grade at Rancho Vista Elementary School for many years before eventually retiring.

After the unexpected death of Carol's first husband Ray in 1985 she eventually found happiness again, marrying Marsh Arnold in 1993 and living for many years together in beautiful San Clemente where she enjoyed time with her newly extended family, including her grown stepchildren and their families. Carol was widowed a second time with Marsh's passing in 2011.

Throughout her later life Carol found great pleasure in community theater, especially when it involved music and dancing, and enjoyed participating in a variety of productions over the years even into her 90's.

At La Costa Glen retirement community Carol enjoyed many friendships made while playing bridge, taking classes and participating in shows over the fourteen years she lived there.

Carol is remembered by family and friends for her ever cheerful disposition even while facing the challenges of aging; for her love of laughter and the retelling of a good funny story; and for her belief that ice cream makes a very fine "grandma lunch."

Carol is survived, and will be greatly missed, by her sister Susan and family; her sons Steve, Chris and Dan; grandchildren Tristan, Lauren, Walter, Ray, and Henry; and great-grandchildren Owen and Tilly.

Her sons will remain forever grateful for the freedom they enjoyed growing up under a free-range parenting style which would likely face raised eyebrows by contemporary norms.

No public memorial service is planned, however charitable donations in Carol's memory can be directed to the Yosemite Conservancy (www.yosemite.org).