Carolyn Marjorie Nobbs Peterson

Carolyn Nobbs Peterson, 79, of La Jolla, CA, passed away peacefully on October 8th, 2025. Carolyn was born on December 20th, 1945, in Hartford, CT to Marjorie (Latham) and Frederick Nobbs.
Carolyn graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio in 1963, and went on to study nursing at Boston University where met her husband Henry (Hank) Peterson. They were married on September 2nd, 1967, in Newington, CT.
She continued her education at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., completing her Master of Science in Nursing Education in 1970. In 1972, Carolyn and Hank moved to Irvine, CA, where she worked as a critical care specialist at Anaheim Memorial Hospital and then as the Director of Nursing Education. In 1985, the family moved to Carlsbad, CA, where she worked at Palomar-Pomerado Health System as Director of Education until her retirement in 2006.
Carolyn was an active member of Christ Presbyterian Church in La Costa, CA, and was a dedicated volunteer with several organizations throughout her life. She was a Girl Scout leader for 15 years guiding all three of their daughters. She played a key role in the San Diego Presbytery's relief efforts following the 2007 San Diego wildfires and shared her love of military history as a docent aboard the USS Midway Museum, contributing over 1,000 volunteer hours.
Hank and Carolyn have enjoyed living in the village of La Jolla since 2011, and at White Sands La Jolla since 2023. During retirement, Carolyn and Hank became avid tandem bicyclists, bicycling all over the US and Europe and culminating in an epic cross-country ride from San Diego to Boston in 2013.
In 2013, Carolyn was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. Despite a prognosis of 1-3 years, Carolyn - aka the energizer bunny – fought for 12 more years. When asked to describe her, her grandson said with admiration that she was strong and stubborn, a sentiment she embraced and shared with those around her in her final days.
Carolyn is survived by her husband Hank, three daughters and two sons-in-law, Janet (John), Cheryl, Lauren (David) and her grandson, Mason. In addition to her three daughters, she was "Mom" to many others. She was preceded in death by her siblings and spouses, Frederick and Priscilla Nobbs, and Nancy and Norman Munson.
A celebration of life will be held at the Chapel at White Sands, 7450 Olivetas Ave, La Jolla, CA on Saturday November 1st, 2025, at 1:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served after the service.
"In lieu of flowers, Carolyn requested donations be made to Girls Scouts of the USA, San Diego
Center for the Blind or the USS Midway Museum."