Carolyn Elizabeth Jurk

Carolyn Elizabeth Yurk
November 22, 1929 - December 3, 2025

Carolyn was a long time resident of Manhattan Beach, living in the same home with her beloved husband Don for over sixty years. She was a true South Bay gal, born to Ada & George Snider, and along with her younger sister Erna, was raised in El Segundo where she attended school through high school. She was the first female Class president at El Segundo High School and the first graduating class to have 100 students. Sophmore year she met Don when he transferred to ESHS, at first they were just friends then began dating senior year, attending their prom together. After her plans to attend college to study math were put on hold due to her father's illness, she attended El Camino Jr. College in Torrance before transferring to San Jose State University earning her degree and teaching credential where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority.
Carolyn & Don were married in August 1953, and honeymooned in Lake Tahoe, one of their favorite spots. They lived in El Segundo while she taught at Lynwood Junior High before moving to their first home in Hermosa Beach, then moving to Manhattan Beach to raise their family.
Carolyn was the ultimate "coach's wife" while Don coached football and taught at El Camino College for many years, and the best cheerleader for all her kids sports. She was always organized with her "to-do" list and made it look so easy. She was involved with PTA, Girl Scouts, MB Community Church, volunteer work, along with all her other hobbies and activities. She loved planning family summer vacations which were usually camping trips all over the U.S. Once the kids were grown, Carolyn became a part-time travel agent and enjoyed many "fam" trips all over the world. Her and Don travelled extensively in their retirement years and also enjoyed time at their cabin in Mammoth Lakes.
Carolyn continued to be play tennis and golf well into her 80's and always had time to play some game with her grandchildren. She loved spending time with family and enjoyed keeping in touch with friends.
Carolyn lived such a full life, married to her high school sweetheart for 70 years, she was the apple of Don's eyes. Life was not the same without him.
Carolyn passed away peacefully a week after celebrating her 96th birthday with loved ones. She will always be remembered for her beauty and strength, along with her three children; David (Michelle), Rick (Laura), Jamie (Damien), her grandchildren, great grandchild, and extended family which includes many dear friends, she will forever be in our hearts.
A casual celebration will take place Wednesday, March 4 from 2-4pm at Pancho's Restaurant in Manhattan Beach.