Carin Jean Van Vooren-Fratis

VAN VOOREN-FRATIS, Carin Jean
Passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2006, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Although Carin was a native of Burbank, Calif., her favorite childhood memories are of the pioneer-like existence on the north Auburn family ranch she moved to when only four. Carin attended both Grass Valley and Auburn area schools, graduating firm Placer High school in 1967 with an extensive resume that included choir, drama and journalism. Her quest for music and writing expanded to Sierra College and later, Trinity College. Carin was very passionate about music. She was an accomplished pianist and guitarist Her angelic voice could be beard in numerous choirs, and music groups. Her love for the classics took her from the old, broken down player piano in the family living room to the massive pump organ in the local church that was a long, arduous bus ride from the family ranch. So accomplished was Carin that at thirteen years old she became the church organist. Always giving, Carin shared her gift of music and literature by later teaching children in several schools from Roseville to Idaho. Carin's poems, short stories, musical scores and newspaper columns have been published, played and cherished by many. Her career in music paralleled a successful endeavor in the real estate industry. Carin was a champion of the California Senior Veterans as her volunteer work helped improve their benefits and quality of life. Carin believed in the "serendipity things," those things that are not coincidences at all. She was a very spiritual person believing that the "great spirit" and the spirit of love that unites us all will eventually reunite all of us.

In Carin's own words... "We will be together again. And we will dance and sing and laugh and hug. I once read that there are other worlds to sing in. That's where I'll be waiting for you."

Carin was predeceased by her father Harold Van Vooren and by her former husband Brian McDonald. She is survived by her loving husband Anthony "Tony" Fratis of Folsom, her son Justin Denton and wife Mary Pat of Wheatland and her grandchildren Kali Medina Denton, and Chance, Wyatt, and Casey Denton, all of Wheatland, Calif. Carin is also survived by mother Myra Chapman, stepfather Robert Chapman of Lincoln, brothers Charles Van Vooren and wife Linda of Twin Falls, Idaho, Gregory Van Vooren and wife Jeri of Hughson, Calif., and Harlan Van Vooren and wife Janina of Auburn, and her sister Myrna Van Vooren and David Jansen of Auburn and North Hollywood. She is also survived by stepbrothers Michael Chapman and wife Paula of Cool, Patrick Chapman and wife Rebecca of Lincoln, Calif., Mark Chapman and wife Coy of Yreka, Calif., and Tony Armstrong and wife Laurie of Plummer, Idaho. Surviving stepsisters include Natalie Sessions and husband Glenn of Loomis and Linda Cox and husband Allen of Yreka. She is also survived by in-laws Norman and Rita Fratis, and Kathy Brand and Renee Fratis of Roseville, Calif., Dana Cecil and husband Joe of Citrus Heights, Lynette Hogue and Robin Matthews of Pittsburgh, Calif., and Frank and Beverly and Greg and Aileen Hogue of San Francisco, and by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Services will be held at MOUNT VERNON MEMORIAL PARK at 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, Calif., on Friday, August 25, at 11:00 AM.