Carolyn Perkinson

Tempe - Nancy Carolyn Cummins Perkinson, 88, died on February 5 in Tempe, Arizona after a well-fought battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Carolyn was a third-generation Arizonan, descended on all sides from families who arrived in Arizona Territory in prairie schooners. She was born in Phoenix in 1935 to Sally (Frost) and Everett Cummins of Tempe. The Cummins family lived on Van Ness Avenue (now a part of ASU's campus) and, beginning in 1952, on Broadway Lane. Carolyn had fond memories of a childhood full of neighborhood friends, swimming at Tempe Beach public pool, Saturday matinees, the family victory garden during the war, and their pet donkey, Burrito. She attended elementary school at the Ira D. Payne Training School and was a member of the Tempe Union High School Class of 1952. Carolyn graduated from ASU with a degree in elementary education in 1956. She was an athlete, a scholar, and an indisputable beauty throughout her high school and college years. She met her husband, Bob Perkinson, at ASU on a blind date in the spring of 1953, and they were married in 1957. 70 years later, their story continues with love and devotion.

Carolyn taught 4th grade at Wilson Elementary School in Phoenix for one year before marrying and moving to Virginia Beach with Bob to start his career as an Army officer. While stationed there, they had their first-born son, Brad, in 1958. When their time with the Army was over, the small family moved back to Tempe. Other than the short time in Virginia Beach, Carolyn lived in Tempe her entire life. Though a Tempe girl through and through, she and Bob traveled the world, making many friends and memories. Carolyn raised 4 children and was active with tennis and exercise. She loved dogs and nightly walks with neighbors. She volunteered with many organizations and helped with fundraising.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her daughter Tracy Perkinson in 1965. She is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Perkinson; her children, Brad Perkinson, Brian (Sue Ann) Perkinson, and Becky (Damien) Olivas; her sister, Kay Slaven; her two grandsons, Jack Campbell and David Campbell; step-granddaughter Taylor Olivas, and many loved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in the coming weeks but no details at this time.