Carol Denise Vayda

Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend - Carol Denise Vayda, 73, 1950-2023 of Madera, CA passed away Thursday, August 10th 2023 in Clovis, CA. Carol was the first born child of the late Alfred Vayda and Irene Vayda (Yeno) born on March 23, 1950 in Bayonne, New Jersey. Her brother, David, joined the family and the four of them called Bayonne home with their extended family surrounding them. She was an alumna of Bayonne High School (Class of 1968), received her bachelor's and master's degrees in English and Spanish from New Jersey City University (Class of 1972), and a second master's degree in Bilingual Crosscultural Education & English Language Development from Fresno Pacific University. Carol was a passionate educator with a career that spanned five decades across the country from Matawan High School in New Jersey, Port Chester High School in New York, Yosemite High School, and finally 30 years of service at Madera & Madera South High Schools in California. She was also a Spanish instructor at Madera Community College. The care and commitment to both her native English and adopted Spanish became a bridge that brought her lifelong friendships, a love for the many Spanish speaking cultures, and a connection to her amazing students. Her students always helped to keep her feeling young and inspired. Carol supported many student organizations over the course of her career. But one truly stood out for her, the Madera Students for Life. Carol was the founding advisor of a passionate group of students, who brought this organization from concept to reality.
Though culturally Carol was very proud to be a "Jersey Girl," secretly she was also part Californian - having relocated with her daughter, Rebecca, to the quiet foothill community of Oakhurst in 1987. She had a great love for the beauty of the natural world, especially the Sierra Nevada backdrop that she called home for many years. The rural community reminded her of camping trips of years past which she so enjoyed. An extension of Carol's love of nature was her love for animals, or anything with a "cute furry face." Dogs held an especially important place in her heart and she fondly referred to herself as a "Dog Mom" to her two beloved chihuahuas Suavecito and Ixy and a "Dog Grandma"to Bug. Though there were many dear pets that came into her home over time.
A loving and committed mother to her daughter, Rebecca, Carol could be found in the front row at countless stage performances or cheering from the bleachers for her daughter's soccer matches. Certainly most would recognize Carol at events as she was never seen without her trusty camera around her neck, complete with telephoto lens to capture the action. Carol would also burn the midnight oil with Rebecca helping with assignments to ensure her exacting standards were met before submission - because even her home was a classroom.
Having left her family and friends on the east coast, Carol surrounded herself with a wonderful community of friends who became as close as family. Whether a weekly dinner and movie night, a monthly theatre date, concert experience or celebrating a big holiday - there were familiar, loving faces always gathered together.
She was also known for her holiday celebrations which transformed her home into an immersive case study of the holiday itself. Carol loved exercising her creativity in outfitting not only herself but her little chihuahuas as well. They were always prominently featured in all of her holiday photo shoots. Carol also had a love language of gifting, and there was always a little something for everyone tucked away in her home, and many "just in case" gifts at the ready for an impromptu white elephant exchange or hostess gift. You could also always go to Carol for an event outfit or costume inspiration as she would be thrilled to welcome you to her many, MANY closets.
Among Carol's joys in her retirement was spending time with her daughter and son-in-law at their home in Ventura, CA. She loved getting the chance to visit and explore the Ventura/Santa Barbara area with them - including wineries, historic sites, restaurants, and the calming energy of the ocean. It was truly a highlight for her, which also gave her the opportunity to celebrate holidays in the sunshine, help plan their wedding, and enjoy their first home together. When Carol learned that she would become a grandma, she immediately thanked God for answering her prayers, as this was the gift she had been, sometimes impatiently, waiting for. The welcoming of her grandchild, Antero, to this world was a truly magic moment for her and her family.
Carol is survived by her daughter Rebecca Anne Evans-Nadella and her son-in-law Gopi Juhani Nadella, her grandson Antero Arjun Vayda Nadella, her grand step-son Kai Kavin Nadella, and her brother David Thomas Vayda. She was predeceased by her parents Alfred and Irene Vayda.
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