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Adrienne McCARTHY Obituary
McCARTHY, Adrienne
Dzendzel
Of Auburn, CA, passed away unexpectedly at age 63 on the morning of May 24, 2012. Born in Oakland, CA to Steve and Louise (Kohles) Dzendzel on Oct. 31, 1948. She received degrees from UC Davis, and Sac State. For over 25 years she was a counselor at Colfax High School, and 49er ROP. Her love of quilting was only surpassed by her love for talking with people. She was married to Ed McCarthy for 28 years, with two sons, Michael and Andrew McCarthy. A funeral service will be held at 11am on June 1 at the Church of St Teresa of Avila, 11600 Atwood Rd., Auburn, CA, with a reception immediately afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Assistance League of Greater Placer.
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Memories and Condolences
for Adrienne McCARTHY
Caren
June 13, 2025
Just thought of Mrs. McCarthy today after all these years. In 1983, as my counselor, she taught that when making life´s decisions, make a column each of advantages and disadvantages to see which held more weight. To this day, I have used this exercise, and have passed it down to my children. She had beautiful calligraphy skills which she used to fill in and sign special school awards and certificates. Her help in preparing me for a graduation speech was so appreciated. The practical tip of not to get a new hairstyle for the graduation ceremony in order to avoid being self-conscious was solid advice! She was authentic, kind-hearted and positive, and it was a privilege to know her.
Rest in Peace Mrs. McCarthy
Susanne Winnett
June 22, 2012
I first met you when both of our Andrew's were in Mr. K's bible study when they were teenagers. We met again in the quilt guild, and we always had to play catch up with our lives and our children's lives. I will miss those great conversations! My prayers and sympathy go out to your family and Tom.
Linda Farley
June 10, 2012
It is with sadness I learned from my daughter, Leah, that Adrienne had past. She was both my children's counselor and became a friend. When I last saw her a the Sacramento airport on the way to a family reunion she seemed so happy with her life in retirement. She was a light for many young people and will be missed. Linda Farley
Pat Ferguson
June 5, 2012
Some people make an impact on your life in a short time. Such was Adrienne. We had chats about ROP, since few of us were "up on it". She could create an instant bond. What a horrible blow to read about her death. Much, much to soon. She will be missed by many and we should all take stock of what we have left unsaid with others in our lives..
Penny Arant
June 4, 2012
We are so sad to learn of Adrienne's passing. She was so wonderful with young people. God bless you all at this sad time.
Sincerely Penny Arant and
The Claytor Family
Devika Moktan
June 2, 2012
Dear Mr. Mccarthy, Michel and Andrew
It is so sad to hear that Adrienne is no longer with us. she was so good friend to me. She and I did so many things together
I will really miss her. Sorry I couldn't be there because I am in Michigan. I will be praying for you guys. Please Michel and Andrew take care of yourself o.k. We love you all. Danny, Devika,Caleb and Prem Moktan.
All the girls in this photo were helped by Mrs. McCarthy when we were at Colfax High, my self included.
Mandy Waer
June 1, 2012
I am so sad to hear about Mrs McCarthy. She was my counselor in high school ( in 2001). She helped me through rough times when I felt like there was no one else that I could talk to. She helped improve my life and she will be dearly missed my many.
Sue Nelson
June 1, 2012
What a shock! Adrienne was a wonderful person whose smile was always present. She always had the time to talk to you. I've know her thru water aerobics and Foothill Quilters Guild for many years. She loved purple and looked good in it. I wish I could be at her service which is going on right now, but that isn't possible. We now have a new angel in heaven and lost one here on earth. Sympathy and prayers to her family. I will miss you!! Tears!!
The Joneses Jerry, Benet & Family
June 1, 2012
Our Heartfelt sympathys go out to Michael,Andrew and the McCarthy Family.
We feel so Blessed to have known Adrienne through her work with our children at Colfax High School and our continued friendship for many years since. I loved all our visits over these years, she was such a joy to be with. We feel like she is part of our family and she will always be so fondly remembered by us and everyone who knew her.
Our Love
Keiki Schoening-Jergo
May 31, 2012
I am feeling shocked and saddened by this unexpected news. McCarthy O'hana I am greatly sorry for your GREAT loss. Mrs. McCarthy (Miss Dzendzel) was the epitome of caring and awesomeness. If it weren't for Mrs. McCarthy (Miss Dzendzel) I wouldn't have become a CHS Falcon Alumini. I graduated because of her pushing me and pushing me. I pushed back..... with a DIPLOMA!!
Miss Dzendzel Aloha kakou,
Meleya Walker
May 31, 2012
You were a wonderful mentor and a positive influence, you encouraged me when I truly needed it and helped lead me in the right direction. I think of you often and the positive way you impacted my life, I regret I didn't take the opportunity to thank you before you passed. My condolences to your family, what a blessing to have such a wonderful woman in their lives. You will be missed by many.
Bennie Gee
May 31, 2012
I am so saddened to hear of the death of Adrienne. We had the privilege of taking care of her Mom and much interaction with her Dad and the rest of the family at Foothill Oaks. What a loss it is. You are in our prayers.
Bennie Gee, nurse at Foothill Oaks
Bart O'Brien
May 31, 2012
Adrienne and I were hired the same year at Colfax High. I always enjoyed working with her, and I had the greatest respect for her work as a counselor. She helped all different types of students with all range of aptitudes, experiences and opportunities. She saw them all as valuable human beings who had something to offer and who each deserved a quality public education. I am so sorry for her family and many friends. I will miss seeing her and chatting with her.
Cyndi Koski (Rogers)
May 31, 2012
U will be greatly missed. Because of u high school was bearable for me. U helped me thru some really tough times . I will always remember u.
Rebecca Plourde
May 31, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Adrienne. She was one of God's angels. My thoughts & prayers are with her family. I am so blessed to have known her.
JoAnn Hyde
May 31, 2012
Mrs McCarthy you became a great friend to me and I will never forget how much you believed in me when I did not believe in myself. I will always remember your big smile. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. You were the first person I met at CHS. Thank you for touching my life. You made a difference.
Victoria Beninga
May 31, 2012
Adrienne always had a smile on her face and a friendly hello at quilt guild. I'll miss her. Praying for comfort for her family.
Kelly Watts
May 31, 2012
So sad to hear of this loss to her family and our community. Mrs. McCarthy was instrumental to me at Colfax in preparing for College. My condolences to her family.
Steve Rigney
May 31, 2012
Adrienne was a warm, caring counselor who helped countless young people throughout her career. My condolences to the McCarthy/Dzendzel clans.
Julianne & Eric Smith
May 31, 2012
What a profound loss for all who knew Adrienne but especially for her family. She was such an "upper"! Always positive with good things to say. Eric and I have long been pleased she was at Colfax High School to influence our children.
Ruth Robinson
May 31, 2012
Adrienne was one in a million ,loveing and happy she ment so much to me.
She has inspired me.
Patti Marsh
May 31, 2012
How blessed I have been to call you cousin and friend. You have always been an inspiration to me. Our trip to Yosemite this Sept. won't be the same without you, neither will our cousin reunions. You have left us with wonderful memories I shall cherish.
My heartfelt sympathy to Michael, Andrew, Alan, Gerry, Cynthia, and Maryann.
Richard Ramirez
May 31, 2012
My condolences to Adrienne's family and loved ones. As with many other students at Colfax High, she made a difference to me. We didn't talk a lot, but when we did I felt like I was all that mattered to her. She listened! Reading these statements shows how one person's good living can have such a powerful influence on others. My thoughts and prayers go to her and her loved ones.
adrianne barber
May 31, 2012
Mrs. McCarthy was my guidance counselor at Colfax High school. She was always so friendly and helpful. I know many students from Colfax High School benefited from her help and guidance. She will be truly missed. My prayers go out to her family during this difficult time.
Sally Nunley
May 30, 2012
So happy to have spent so much time with you over the last three years. Always loved your positive outlook on life! I will miss you! Thank you for being a part of my life for the last 32 years. You are a hero! God Bless!
Brandy Douglas
May 30, 2012
You always made me believe in myself! Thank you for believing in me. My prayers go out to your family.
Cheryl Hammock-Geldien
May 30, 2012
Mrs. McCarthy will be missed. She helped me find courage and independence. She always vowed to help us be strong adults and never gave up on us. I will miss her deeply.
Sarah
May 30, 2012
Wow, I totally remember some really tough times (as a student at CHS) when you were right there to listen and help me through. You were a really great lady and I send your family my deepest condolences.
Sheila
May 30, 2012
Just one more voice to say that "Mrs. McCarthy" was loved and remembered by yet another CHS student. She was one of only two adults who helped me survive it and actually graduate. She was my counselor only for the first couple of years, but even after that still always had a smile for me and knew my name.
Bridget.
May 30, 2012
She was an amazing woman. Thank you so much for all you helped me with as my counselor at colfax! You will be missed! I am truly shocked by this and my thoughts go out to the family.
Shannon Ehnert
May 30, 2012
You were such a support system for me during my high school years. You taught me so much but one thing that I will always remember is quilting. Everytime I sit down to make a quilt I remember the lessons you taught me and I will always continue to remember you! I know I thanked you many times before, but Thank you so much for touching my life the way you have. You will NEVER be forgotten.
Danielle Alves
May 30, 2012
My prayers go out to your family!! I'm in shock I just saw you on Tuesday and made your nails pretty..u were an amazing counselor when I was in high school n kept my spirits up through hard times as an adult!! Thanku! The lord received another angel on Thursday!! Xoxo
Lyn Ahboltin
May 30, 2012
I am so shocked and saddened by Adrienne's passing. As a fellow quilter and one who enjoyed Quilt Camp at Tahoe with her every year, I will miss her deeply. God bless Adrienne, and God by with her family and Tom. My heart breaks for all of you.
Marla Mazur
May 30, 2012
You were such an inspiration to many people who have gone through the NEWSTART program at Weimar. You saw the bright side of everyone and was so dedicated to serving others.
Cheri Sprunck
May 30, 2012
Adrienne was vibrant, loved assisting and encouraging others to learn, especially young people, and was a special friend and part of my mini-quilt group. Whenever I see purple or turquoise, I'll be reminded of Adrienne who loved those two colors dearly. I'm glad I was blessed to count her as a friend. I pray her family and friends are comforted.
Catherine Glover
May 30, 2012
I am so very saddened to hear of her passing. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Alysa Johnson
May 30, 2012
I am shocked and grieved by this devastating news. Life is so uncertain and friends like Adrienne, so precious. At Colfax High she was Miss Dzendzel to me and then Mrs. McCarthy to my kids, having influenced 2 generations of my family for the better. There is a special place in heaven for this wonderful woman. Heartfelt condolences to Michael, Andrew and the entire family.
Evonne Madison
May 30, 2012
It saddens me to hear the news of Mrs. McCarthy passing. She was an absolutely wonderful person that mentored me through four years at Colfax High School. She made a huge difference in my life and I will forever be grateful for all that she did for me. I will miss you very much, but know that your guidance and knowledge touched the lives of many, and I will always remember your gentle ways.
Alicia Graham-Riley
May 30, 2012
I remember Mrs. McCarthy well. Though it has been 20 years since I graduated from Colfax High School, she always remembered me. She was a special lady.
Sally Slyngstad
May 30, 2012
We at Holy Names High School in Oakland send our support and prayers. May wonderful memories be comfort and support for you. I remember Adrienne from our high school days.
Sister Sally Slyngstad
Principal
Ethan Jewett
May 30, 2012
Mrs McCarthy was one of the most influential/helpful people in my life during high school. It would still be a few years before I found focus and direction, buy our chats certainly laid the groundwork in that quest. I am very sad to here she has passed, I would very much liked to have said these things to her in person.
Kelly & Janeen Bacal
May 30, 2012
We are so very sad to hear of Adrienne's passing.Her sweet smile and easy laugh always brought a warmth to our times together. My husband Kelly has said many times that he would not have made it through high school had it not been for Adrienne's help. She was always there to get him through all the rough spots. We love you Adrienne and will miss you.
Our thoughts and prays to Ed, Andrew and Michael.
May 30, 2012
So very sad to get the news Tuesday night. Taken to soon, will be sadly missed by the evening ladies at Curves. Lorraine, Grass Valley
Sandie Vita
May 30, 2012
My dear cousin Adrienne, you will be missed more than you would ever have known. We looked forward to your visits and the time spent with our family. We'll miss those visits but cherish the memories. Thinking of your children, brothers and sisters and friends at this time of loss.
Lovingly, your cousin Sandie
May 29, 2012
I am so saddened to hear of Adrienne's passing. She was such a wonderful mentor to my children at Colfax High and I treasured her as a friend. Her vivaciousness for life was contagious and I so enjoyed our recent lunches together. What a special lady! My condolences to her whole family.
May 29, 2012
You always had a warm smile and always cheerful. We will truly miss your smile at our guild meetings.
Shari Bahr (Auburn, CA)
Linda Britton
May 29, 2012
I am so very saddened to hear of Adrienne's passing and my prayers and love go out to Ed, Andrew, and Michael.
Linda Britton
Trayci Haines
May 29, 2012
I will always miss you beautiful smile, you lit up the room every time I saw you! you were a true friend and will be greatly missed!
May 28, 2012
Will truly miss you. The short time we had as friends , i will always treasure. You were a blessing to any group you were in. Wilma Paulson
Betty Gardner
May 28, 2012
When our families met camping over 50 years ago, who would have imagined all the fun and good times we'd share over the years. I will miss you and your wonderfully positive attitude and know that I will see you again. Love and prayers to your wonderful family, Betty Skoegard Gardner, Santa Cruz, CA
Jeanne Grabowski
May 28, 2012
You were the best friend, ever. Will miss you always.
My condolences to your family.
Jeanne
Lisa Kotey
May 27, 2012
You were a great blessing to my husband at Colfax High School. We are so sorry to hear of your passing. We send our prayers to your family and friends.
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