Carolyn Irvine

1933 - 2016

Carolyn E. Irvine
March 2, 1933 - September 9, 2016
 Carolyn (Rudy) Irvine was born in Long Beach, California 8 days before the 1933 earthquake. Family lore suggests her earliest days were spent living in a tent as her family's home was too unstable to occupy. She lived in multiple Southern California cities until her family moved to Chico while she was in high school. Chico proved life changing because there she met Rodger, to whom she was wed for 62 years and part time work for a doctor inspired her to attend nursing school. After working 2 jobs to save for nursing school, she attended and graduated from Mills College/Highland School of Nursing in Oakland. She and Rodger wed in 1954 at the Stanford Memorial Church and settled in Germany while Rodger fulfilled his ROTC service. They loved exploring Europe and forming lifelong Army friendships. The family moved to Oakdale in 1973 after residing in Placerville and Corcoran.  In addition to being a Mom to 3, she became the Post Anesthesia Care Unit nurse at the newly opened Oak Valley Hospital. In her 20 years there it is estimated about 24,000 people woke up from surgery to her smiling face and comforting voice. Carolyn had an undeniable sense of style and grace. You never saw her without lipstick and earrings on, her pre-requisites before leaving the house. Her extroverted personality was contagious - she never knew a stranger and would easily strike up a conversation with anyone. Carolyn built a strong family by providing love, support, discipline and a positive outlook. That outlook was tested when, in 1979, son Brian was killed in an auto accident shortly after high school graduation.  Although devastated beyond measure, she made sure his memory lived on and she looked forward to the day when she would be reunited with him again. Carolyn and Rodger enjoyed family outings, travel, golfing and skiing.  One of her favorite activities was attending Sunday brunch with the family first at the Cold Springs Country Club in Placerville and later the Oakdale Country Club. After a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease 15 years ago, Carolyn was eventually robbed of all the activities she most enjoyed. She fought to keep life as normal as possible and made many friends the past 5 years living at Dale Commons in Modesto. 2 months ago she decided to stop fighting and accept a comfortable transition through Community Hospice to the next phase of her life - perfection in Heaven!
Carolyn is survived by her husband Rodger, Modesto; her daughters and their husbands, Karen and Michael Pitassi, Escalon; Carla and Mark Feldman, Los Angeles; grandchildren Ben Pitassi, Germany; Andrew Pitassi, Tahoe City; Luke Pitassi, Brian Feldman and Hanna Feldman, all of Los Angeles; sisters Wanda Nolet, Salem, NH and Sandra Thornton, Chico.
A memorial service is planned for October 2, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Escalon Covenant Church, 1155 Escalon Avenue in Escalon, CA.    
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrances be made to the Brian Irvine Memorial Fund c/o Oakdale High School, 739 W G St, Oakdale, CA 95361. 
www.cvobituaries.com