Carolyn Jane Valladao

1936 - 2025

Carolyn Jane Valladao, a Rancho Murieta resident, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025 at the age of 89. Carol, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, was known for her love of entertaining and her beautiful skills as a pianist. Born in Sioux City, Iowa on April 7, 1936, she grew up in a close-knit family with her parents Evertt and Naomi Staudt and her beloved sister Rosemary. She began piano lessons as a small child where she discovered a lifelong love of music. She attended Heelan High School where she was an honor student participating in Operetta, Glee Club and Dance. Her family was active in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where Carol served as pianist and organist. She attended Denver University where she met the love of her life, Richard Valladao. They married and started a life together that would last almost 70 years. They initially lived in the Bay Area where they had three sons, Michael, Greg and John. A business opportunity soon took them to Louisiana, where they would end up raising their boys. While Carol was initially hesitant about the move to the South, she soon came to appreciate the Southern warmth and hospitality, and she made friends she would keep for a lifetime. She was active in the kids' schools and sports while also being the pianist for the local Little Theater group. Neighborhood friends and family would often be gathered around her piano belting out popular show tunes and Christmas carols. They moved back to California in 1981 purchasing a Rancho Murieta golf course lot off Guadalupe Drive and built a house designed for entertaining. She became immersed in the Rancho Murieta community participating in many Country Club activities including The Niners Ladies Golf Group and volunteering at the Raley's Senior Gold Rush during the mid-1990s. Her skills as a pianist/accompanist were used at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church where she played at countless masses and funerals. She and Richard continued their tradition of hosting events and dinner parties, the highlight of which would be everyone gathering around the piano at the end of the evening. Richard and Carol were world travelers, taking trips and cruises over their 67-year marriage to faraway places including South America, Europe, Russia, Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand. Carol (Miss Carol to her grandkids) ensured her grandchildren would also inherit her love of travel by taking each of them on a cruise when they turned 11. Carol is survived by her three sons, Michael Valladao (Sue) of San Jose, CA, Greg Valladao (Kathy) of Phoenix, AZ and John Valladao, (Kristy) of Lakewood, CA, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. While she is no longer with us, she will be remembered with love by many for years to come. There will be a Rosary (10:30) and Funeral Mass (11:00) on October 7, 2025, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Rancho Murieta.